Taha Mohammed, public health director in Sulaimani’s town of Ranya told Anadolu Agency that another 70 people had been injured -- including 36 security personnel -- in clashes between protesters and security forces.

Since Monday, Sulaimani has been the scene of large demonstrations by civil servants to protest public-sector salary delays and perceived government corruption.

Earlier Tuesday, protesters torched a number of public facilities in Sulaimani, including the offices of some opposition groups.

Shorash Ismail, the police chief in Koy Sanjaq, told Anadolu Agency that at least 15 people had been injured in clashes between security forces and protesters in the prefecture.

Local authorities have reportedly stepped up security throughout the region with a view to preventing further escalations.

On Monday, thousands of local civil servants staged demonstrations in Sulaimani -- which continued on Tuesday -- to demand overdue salaries and decry local government corruption.

In a related development Tuesday, the KRG issued a warrant for the arrest of Shaswar Abdelwahid Qadir, leader of the “New Generation” movement.

Qadir has been accused by KRG authorities of inciting demonstrators to attack public facilities “with a view to overthrowing the government”.

Reporter’s code: 50101