Tension in Iraq: Protesters Storm Government Building

The leader of one of Iraq's largest political forces, Shia figure Muqtada al-Sadr, has announced his withdrawal from politics amid mass protests by his supporters. This was reported by RIA Novosti.

Following al-Sadr's announcement, dozens of his supporters stormed the Green Zone in Baghdad, which is an area containing government buildings and embassies. Shortly thereafter, clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad. A curfew has been declared in Baghdad.