Thousands of ticketless fans had gathered outside Basra International Stadium ahead of the Arabian Gulf Cup final.

The 25th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup football tournament will start in Iraq on Friday.

Supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr spoke to Global News Insight, and emphasised their continued support for the religious leader.

Supporters of Shia religious leader Muqtada al-Sadr gathered in Baghdad weeks after he withdrew his bloc from parliament

Iraq’s Sadrists, the biggest grouping in parliament, have been unable to form a government since October’s elections.

Basra was known for farming, but rising temperatures, increased water salinity, and desertification, have changed that.

Fears of violent protests across southern cities rise as cuts deprive Iraqis of power to run hospitals and homes.

Pope Francis expected to visit the ancient southern Iraqi city of Ur on Saturday.

Journalists say they have been increasingly under attack since wave of anti-government protests began in October.

Shia and Sunni authorities both claim rights over the same community properties such as mosques and religious sites.