Protesters tried to storm Baghdad's Green Zone, where the US embassy is located, but security forces used tear gas to disperse them.

An AFP photographer saw ambulances arriving at the gathering, and reported suffocation cases from tear gas and hearing what sounded like live gunfire.

It was their second attempt Sunday to enter the area after clashing in the morning with heavily deployed security forces.

The US embassy had warned earlier that protests near its compound "may turn violent," and advised its nationals to "remain alert to their surroundings and avoid large crowds."

It also warned of "active threats to US interests in Iraq including restaurants, businesses, and individuals."

Telegram channels and social media platforms close to pro-Iran armed groups called on people to take part in the protests.