Prominent Shia cleric in Baghdad retires prompting violence from supporters

Baghdad: At least 15 people have been killed in skirmishes between Iraqi security forces and followers of a prominent Shia cleric after the latter announced his retirement from politics, according to the media.

After protestors supporting Moqtada al-Sadr stormed the presidential palace late Monday night, officials claim that dozens more people were hurt, according to the BBC.

His party gained the majority of seats in parliament last October, but he has refused to enter into government-formation talks with Shia organisations supported by Iran.

There has been a year of political instability as a result.

Street fighting erupted overnight, as fighters exchanged gunfire and tracer rounds illuminated the night sky in some of the worst violence to hit the Iraqi capital in recent years, said the BBC report.

Much of the fighting has been concentrated around the city's Green Zone, an area that houses government buildings and foreign embassies.

Dutch embassy staff were forced to move to the German mission due to the clashes.

Security officials said some of the violence was between the Peace Brigades, a militia loyal to Sadr, and members of the Iraqi military.

Videos shared on social media appeared to show some fighters using heavy weaponry, including rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), the BBC reported.

Iran has closed its borders with Iraq amidst the fighting, and Kuwait has urged its citizens to leave the country immediately.

Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Iraq's caretaker Prime Minister and Sadr ally has declared a nationwide curfew after unrest in several other cities.

He has suspended cabinet meetings and has pleaded with the influential cleric to intervene and stop the violence.

For now, Sadr has announced a hunger strike until the violence and use of weapons by all sides stops.

With inputs from IANS