The crowd has forced its way into a water treatment facility linked to the West Qurna-2 oilfield managed by Lukoil, a source within the Russian energy company and local police source told Reuters. The protesters are holding two local employees hostage, according to the report.

This comes as the Iraqi government has reportedly imposed a state of emergency in the Basra province in connection with the riots.

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Located 65 kilometers north-west of the southern city of Basra, West Qurna-2 oilfield is one of Iraq’s – and the world’s – largest. Lukoil was awarded a contract for the development of the field back in 2009. Just two days ago, the company signed a new development plan for West Qurna-2.

A continued disruption of the facility work for just three days could be enough to completely shut down the oilfield, a source told Reuters.

Violent protests in Basra erupted early this week and since then have left at least 11 people dead. The rioters express their discontent over the shortages of water, electricity and jobs. They have been storming government buildings, as well as the headquarters of political parties with links to Iran.

The Iranian consulate in Basra was stormed and set on fire earlier on Friday. In response to the riots, the Iraqi security officials have imposed a citywide curfew.

Meanwhile, the leaders of the protests reportedly announced a halt to the demonstrations in the region, according to Al Arabiya.

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