Deadly violence in Baghdad after leading cleric Moqtada al-Sadr says he is quitting politics

At least 15 killed in clashes between Iraq militias after Shia leader announces his exit from Iraqi politics

Months of political tensions over stalled attempts to form a government in Iraq have spilled over into violence, with at least 15 people killed and hundreds hurt in clashes between militias in Baghdad's Green Zone and a nationwide curfew imposed.

The gunfire followed an announcement by the powerful Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr that he was quitting politics and an earlier decision by his spiritual mentor to retire and attempt to persuade Sadr to transfer his fealty to Iran.