Total curfew goes into effect in Baghdad

Security authorities on Monday declared a total curfew in the Iraqi capital city, Baghdad, as tension simmers after the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, announced political retirement.

Al-Sadr announced he is walking out of politics in a statement he shared on Twitter earlier today.

In the aftermath, followers of al-Sadr rallied outside the presidential palace and stormed the government headquarters, prompting caretaker Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to suspend cabinet meetings until further notice.

According to an official statement, the Joint Operations Command (JOC) declared a total curfew in the Iraqi capital starting from 03:30 on the afternoon of Monday.

The curfew, according to the statement, applies to both pedestrians and passengers.