While the situation in the capital Erbil is reported to be calm for now, thousands of angry protesters have stormed the offices of five main political parties in parts of the region setting them on fire.

At least 49 people have been injured in the clashes with security forces on Tuesday and demonstrations were reported in cities like Sulaimani, Halabja, Koya, Ranya, Kifri, and Taq Taq.

NRT reported that the offices of the parties torched in Sulaimani, Koye and Ranye. According to reports 5 protestors have been killed and some have been injured in the protests.

The security forces have detained dozens of protesters so far, Kurdish NRT reported on Tuesday December 19, 2017.

People are angry about the continued delay in paying the public sector salaries, lack of public services and corruption.

Reporter’s code: 50101