BAGHDAD (AP) — Violence erupted on the outskirts of an anti-government protest in western Iraq on Friday when security forces killed five demonstrators — the first deaths at opposition rallies that have been raging for more than a month.

The deaths are expected to exacerbate tensions between the Sunni protesters and the Shiite-led government in Baghdad.

Hours after the shooting, police said gunmen attacked an army checkpoint, killing two soldiers. At least one army vehicle was set ablaze, and dozens of gunmen were seen roaming the streets before local authorities imposed a curfew in the city.