Deadly violence in Baghdad after Moqtada al-Sadr quits - BBC News

At least 23 people have been killed in some of the worst fighting for years in Iraq's capital, Baghdad.

The violence was sparked by Shia Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr decision to quit politics.

Gunshots and rocket-fire rang out as supporters of Mr 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 political paralysis since inconclusive elections in 2021.