Baghdad, Dec. 30 -- Iraqi anti-government protesters forced the shutdown of a southern oil field on Sunday.

Demonstrations blocked roads leading to facilities amid unrest that has gripped the country for almost three months, the Efe news reported.

Oil ministry spokesman Assem Jihad said in a statement on Facebook the government had temporarily suspended production of the Nassiriya oil field, which produces over 80,000 barrels a day.

Assem added employees had not been able to go to work after dozens of protesters demanding the appointment of a new prime minister blocked the roads.

The closure of the Nassiriya oil field has not affected the total crude production as other fields in the south will compensate to meet the protest-hit count...