Iraq protests leave 17 dead after supporters of powerful Shiite cleric clash with Iran-backed groups

Powerful Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr announced on August 29, 2022, his retirement from political activity, sparking hundreds of his loyal supporters to storm the government palace in Iraq’s Green Zone. Following the occupation, angry Sadrists clashed with rival Shiite groups backed by Iran and Iraqi security forces at night. The clashes left at least 17 dead and many injured. Iraq has been paralysed for months after the influential leader withdrew his bloc from parliament in June.