Al Jazeera reported that there was “heavy shooting” in Baghdad’s Green Zone, indicating that “at least one person was injured” as Iraqi security forces began dispersing Sadrist movement supporters inside the Republican Palace and the Green Area.

Hundreds of supporters of the Sadrist movement broke into the Republican Palace in the Green Zone of Baghdad. As a result, Iraqi forces are trying to disperse the supporters of the movement, who, in turn, are trying to storm the presidential residence with tear gas canisters.

And the Baghdad Operational Command said in a brief statement that “the commander of the Baghdad operations, Lieutenant General Ahmed Salim, has ordered the strengthening of the protection of government departments and banks.” The joint operations also urged “citizens to respect the curfew and stay away from malicious rumors.”

Iraqi government prime minister Mustafa al-Kazemi declared “a state of maximum alert for all security forces in Baghdad” and announced a “suspension of cabinet meetings until further notice due to the infiltration of demonstrators into council headquarters.” He called on the demonstrators to immediately leave the Green Zone and follow the instructions of the security forces.

Earlier today, al-Sadr leader Muqtada al-Sadr announced his “final retirement from political life and the closure of all its institutions except the Shrine, the Noble Museum and the al-Sadr Heritage Office.”