Agencies: A wave of clashes and attacks involving Iraqi security forces, protesters and their supporters today killed 49 people and prompted two Sunni ministers to quit, sending tensions soaring.         The unrest, which also included the kidnapping of a soldier by armed protesters, was the worst to date linked to demonstrations in Sunni areas that erupted more than four months ago.        

The protesters have been demanding the resignation of Shiite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and railing against the alleged targeting of their community by the authorities.        

Today's violence broke out before dawn when security forces entered an open area where demonstrations have been held since January near Hawijah, west of Kirkuk province's eponymous capital, according to army officers, who gave an overall toll of 27 people killed and around 70 wounded.        

Two soldiers were killed and seven wounded in the operation, while the remainder of the casualties were a combination of protesters and militants, the officers said. Protesters, however, insisted the army had provoked the clashes.