Iranian security forces used tear gas, batons and apparently birdshot on Friday during clashes with protesters demonstrating in the city of Isfahan in support of farmers angry over water shortages, according to Iranian news agencies and social media posts.

Videos posted on social media showed officers in the central Iranian city apparently opening fire with birdshot in the dried up riverbed of the Zayandeh Rud, the largest river in the drought-stricken region, and nearby streets.

The news agency Fars said protesters threw rocks and set fire to a police motorcycle and an ambulance.

State TV showed police firing tear gas at demonstrators gathered in the dried riverbed. A video posted on social media showed protesters chanting back: “Shame on you!” Social media videos showed several injured protesters, at least one with apparent birdshot pellet wounds.