LIVE: Tense calm returns to Baghdad after sit-ins cleared

At least eight people have been killed as supporters of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr protest in Baghdad and across Iraq's south, following his announcement that he was retiring from politics.

Following the announcement, Sadr supporters began marching towards government buildings in the Green Zone, the heavily fortified district of Baghdad that holds the parliament and other key institutions and embassies.

Rockets were landing inside the Green Zone late on Monday night, including near the parliament building, and sirens were triggered when a shell landed near the US embassy.

Sources confirmed to Middle East Eye that Sadr has gone on hunger strike until the use of violence and weapons comes to an end.

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