Two protesters were killed during protests in central Baghdad on Friday, according to several news agencies, citing activists and officials.

Over a dozen others were reported injured in renewed violence between Iraqi security forces and anti-government demonstrators.

The violence comes after weeks of relative calm in the Iraqi capital. 

Iraqi security forces reportedly fired tear gas and used sound grenades in an attempt to disperse protesters gathered Friday at Sinak Bridge.

A source told Reuters that one of the deaths resulted after a tear gas canister was launched directly at a protester’s neck.