At least five people were killed on Monday in unrest in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Later, a curfew was announced throughout the country, according to the news agency AP.
The unrest erupted when the popular and controversial Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr announced that he was “finally leaving” politics.
Supporters of al-Sadr stormed the Palace of the Republic and clashed with security forces and rival groups.
al-Sadr’s party won the most votes in the October election. However, deadlock prevails as no government could be formed.