Iraqi security forces said "unidentified snipers" killed four people across the capital Baghdad on Friday, the fourth day of violent anti-government protests.

A statement said the four were two members of the security forces and two civilians, bringing the death toll since protests began on Tuesday to 44, including six security forces.

"We're not infiltrators", Sayyed said over and over again as he marched Friday to Baghdad's iconic Tahrir Square after Iraqi officials accused "aggressors" of being behind four days of anti-government protests.

Clashes intensified Friday in Baghdad between protesters and police as Iraq's Shiite spiritual leader urged authorities to heed the demands of demonstrators who have rallied in the capital and other cities for four straight days.

The U.N. called on Iraq on Friday to rapidly and transparently investigate force used by anti-riot police in clashes with protesters that have left dozens dead.

Saudi Arabia gave a "positive" response Friday to a truce offer from Huthi rebels in Yemen and called for its implementation.

From the Sumerians 5,000 years ago to 20th century communist currents, rebellion isn't new to Iraq's Dhi Qar -- and in this week's nationwide protests, the southern province has seen the bloodiest rallies.

Iraqi security forces Friday opened fired on dozens of protesters gathering in Baghdad for a fourth day of demonstrations against corruption, unemployment and poor public services, an AFP correspondent reported.

Just weeks after Tunisians rejected ruling political parties in the first round of presidential polls, voters are set to return to the ballot box on Sunday to elect a new parliament.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced Thursday the arrest of three "terrorists" accused of plotting an attack against senior commander Qassem Soleimani on orders of Israeli and Arab secret services.

The suspects "were sent abroad" and "large sums of money were spent to train them and prepare them" to carry out an attack against Soleimani, the Guards' official website Sepahnews said.

Egyptian authorities have freed a Sudanese student detained during a crackdown on rare rallies against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Khartoum's embassy in Cairo said.