Multiple dead as violent clashes erupt in Iraq following al-Sadr announcement

Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, one of the most powerful figures in Iraq, announced Monday he would resign from Iraqi politics. The announcement sparked hundreds of al-Sadr's followers to take to the streets in protest. Protestors breached concrete barriers guarding the Green Zone — the site of Parliament, Iraqi government offices and diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Embassy.

The Associated Press reports that fifteen people were killed in clashes with Iraqi security forces after protestors stormed the government palace. The New York Times states that over 100 protestors were injured by security forces.

Because of the ongoing violence, Iraq's Joint Operations Command set a full curfew in Baghdad, state news agency INA reported on Monday. The AP reports that the curfew was extended nation-wide.

“The security forces affirm their responsibility to protect government institutions, international missions, public and private properties,” the Iraqi military said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Iraq’s military lifted the nationwide curfew after al-Sadr's supporters began withdrawing from the streets. al-Sadr has moved to deescalate tensions, calling for his supporters to stand down and leave Baghdad’s Green Zone.

Regardless of who started the sedition yesterday,” he said, referring to the violent clashes, “I say that my head is down and I apologize to the Iraqi people.”

al-Sadr added that anyone who did not comply with his order would be considered no longer loyal to him, reports the New York Times. He also called for his supporters to dismantle their protest camps.

Muqtada al-Sadr, who opposed both U.S. and Iranian influence on Iraqi politics, won election in October but withdrew all his lawmakers from parliament in June after he failed to form a government that excluded his rivals, according to Reuters.

“I have decided not to interfere in political affairs so now I announce my final retirement,” al-Sadr wrote on Twitter, according to the New York Times.

The U.N. mission in Iraq said the protests were an “extremely dangerous escalation,” and called on demonstrators to vacate all government buildings, writes the AP.