Dozens of people have been injured after Iraqi security forces fired live bullets, tear gas and water cannons to disperse hundreds of anti-government protesters in Baghdad, the country’s capital.

A Tuesday afternoon rally, which was organized on social media began peacefully with more than 1,000 people marching into the central Tahrir Square. 

However, as some of the protesters tried to cross the bridge to reach the fortified Green Zone, home to government offices and foreign embassies, police began to throw stun grenades and fire rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse them.

As more people converged on the square chanting anti-government slogans, the police began to fire live bullets to disperse them, scattering the mostly young male protesters, some of whom covered their face with scarves.

Other protesters responded by throwing stones at security forces and waved Iraqi flags above the water cannon.“We want this government to be changed. This is a government of political parties and militias,” said 21-year-old Fadhel Saber, who was participating in the protest because he is unable to find a job.

The protesters, many holding posters of Iraq’s counter-terrorism chief, Lt. Gen. Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi whose dismissal from office sparked controversy, are demanding for a change of government because of its failure to improve public services and create jobs.

Last week, Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi removed Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi, who is largely credited with leading the fight against the Islamic State insurgency from his post and transferred him to the  Ministry of Defense.

Speaking on condition of anonymity in line with Iraqi health ministry regulations, medical officials said at least 15 protesters were hit with rubber bullets while 35 others suffered breathing problems because of  tear gas.