Four Sunnis gunned down in Iraq unrest

Published on 26/01/2013 00:00

Iraqi troops shot dead at least four people during clashes with Sunni Muslim protesters in Fallujah yesterday in escalating unrest against Shiite premier Nouri al-Maliki. Thousands of Sunnis have taken to the streets to protest against mistreatment of their minority sect since late December, increasing worries that Iraq could slide back into widespread sectarian conflict.

Yesterday’s violence complicates Mr Maliki’s attempts to end the protests, where demands range from reform of terrorism laws Sunnis say target them and radical calls for the Shiite leader to step down.