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An Iraqi man hurls a rock at a burning police car in Baghdad. (Reuters)

Frustrated jobless riot in Baghdad

A small protest by unemployed Iraqis in central Baghdad has erupted into violence after demonstrators set fire to cars and gunfire broke out.

A few dozen Iraqis looking for work began the protest near a hotel which serves as a base for Western journalists.

Iraqi police officers fired automatic rifles and pistols after the protest turned violent and demonstrators started throwing stones.

The protesters had come to a recruitment office for a US-backed local company that provides guards for state property.

The demonstrators were reportedly angry at being told week after week that there was no work for them.

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