Iraq: At least 23 dead amid fighting after Moqtada al-Sadr quits

At least 23 people have been killed in some of the worst fighting for years in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, sparked by a key leader's decision to quit politics.

Gunshots and rocket-fire rang out as supporters of Shia Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr clashed with security forces and militias aligned with Iran.

Mr Sadr has ordered his supporters to withdraw from outside parliament, where they have been protesting for weeks.

Iraq has been in a state of paralysis since inconclusive elections in 2021.

The violence began on Monday after Mr Sadr, one of Iraq's most influential figures, said he was withdrawing from political life. read more