In 2017 and 2018, the State Department planned to spend millions on security improvements for the US consulate in Basra, Iraq --- but despite indications that the money was available, there is no record of the work ever being done, according to an analysis of federal procurement databases.
The European Union's ambassador to Iraq had to cancel several meetings with Iraqi officials this week after becoming sick when he drank tainted water while visiting the southern Iraqi city of Basra.
The State Department announced Friday that it has ordered all non-essential personnel leave the US consulate in Basra, Iraq.
Iraqi security forces fired tear gas and live ammunition Wednesday as demonstrators took to the streets for a third day in the southern city of Basra, activists said.
At least eight people are dead and dozens injured in weeklong protests over jobs and basic services, Iraq's Ministry of Health spokesman Saif al-Bader said Monday.
