International Desk/

20 people have been killed in political violence in Baghdad, Iraq. The violence came to a head on Monday (August 29) when the country’s influential Shiite leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, announced his resignation from politics. All 20 people killed by Iraqi security forces are believed to be supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr.

Amid the violence, Iraqi interim Prime Minister Mustafa al-Qadimi told protesters to remain calm and declared a state of emergency, officials said. News from BBC and Al Jazeera.

The UN Secretary-General’s spokesman said the country had been warned earlier about “creating a serious situation”. In addition, the Canadian ambassador to Iraq said that the situation in the country is dangerous and can get out of control at any time.