A May 20 protest in Iraq’s southern city of Basra escalated in response to Baghdad’s Green Zone protest, leading demonstrators to march on provincial council buildings, Qawen news reported. Protesters demanding water, electricity and employment opportunities were turned away by security forces armed with tear gas and water cannon. Social media reports indicate shots fired and an unknown number of civilian injuries. Basra is a major port city and a regional hub for trade and oil. It is also divided along sectarian lines , and violence has the potential to rapidly escalate if not controlled.