Basra has seen a surge in protests since Tuesday, with demonstrators torching the Iranian consulate, government buildings as well as offices of political parties and militias considered close to Tehran.

The anger flared after the hospitalisation of 30,000 people who had drunk polluted water, in a city where residents have complained of water and electricity shortages, corruption and a lack of jobs.

The health ministry said 12 people had been killed since Tuesday and 50 -- 48 civilians and two policemen -- injured.

It did not give the circumstances of the deaths.

Medical sources in Basra said two protesters had died on Friday night.

The Iraqi parliament is expected to hold an emergency session later on Saturday to discuss the crisis in public services that has stoked the unrest.