A shut-down of transmission lines left millions without power for hours, reinforcing the grievances of a protest movement that has caused minor disruptions at oil sites. Protesters prepare to burn tires near an entrance to the West Qurna 2 oil field in Basra on July 26, 2017. Electricity service collapsed across several provinces in Iraq on Thursday due to technical failures, as protesters continue to rail against government corruption and incompetence, including renewed demonstrations at oil fields. Power generation came to a halt in Basra, Dhi Qar, and Missan provinces mid-day on Thursday, and began to come back online by early evening, according to several electricity sector officials. Kirkuk and Ninewa provinces were also affected, according to statements from the Ministry of Electricity.