Supporters of Iraqi Shiite cleric storm government palace after he quits politics

Supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr try to remove concrete barriers in the Green Zone area of Baghdad, Iraq, August 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
Supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr try to remove concrete barriers in the Green Zone area of Baghdad, Iraq, August 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

BAGHDAD — Hundreds of followers of an influential Shiite cleric storm Iraq’s government palace shortly after he announced he was withdrawing from politics, further deepening an unprecedented political crisis.

Muqtada al-Sadr’s followers storm the Republican Palace, a key meeting place for Iraqi heads of state and foreign dignitaries, for the first time. On July 30, they stormed the parliament building to deter al-Sadr’s rivals from forming a government.

Iraq’s military swiftly announces a citywide curfew for civilians and vehicles today to quell rising tensions and the possibility of clashes.

Al-Sadr’s protesters fill lavish waiting rooms in the palace and chant slogans in support of the cleric.

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