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Pro-Iran protesters storm offices of Saudi-linked TV channel in Iraq

The ransack came following the airing of a report referring to commanders of Tehran-backed militant groups as “terrorists”

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Iraqi activists hold the Palestine and Lebanon flag during a gathering at Al-firdos square in central Baghdad, Iraq, on Friday. Dozens of activists gather in central Baghdad to denounce the ongoing Israeli military strikes and operations in both Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. Photo; EPA/EFE

Supporters of pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq ransacked offices affiliated with a Saudi TV channel in Baghdad early on Saturday, two security sources said, after the broadcaster aired a report referring to commanders of Tehran-backed militant groups as “terrorists”.

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After midnight, between 400 and 500 people attacked the studios of a production company in Baghdad that works for the Saudi broadcaster MBC.

“They wrecked the electronic equipment, the computers, and set fire to a part of the building,” an interior ministry source said on condition of anonymity.

He said the fire had been extinguished and the crowd dispersed by police.

“Security forces are still deployed near the building,” he added. There were no immediate reports of arrests.

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On Saturday morning, a large police presence remained in the area, blocking access to the site.

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