At least 15 dead after fighting in the Iraqi capital

At least 15 people have been killed as clashes between Iraqi security forces and supporters of a powerful rain clergyman have continued during the night in Baghdad.

Officials say dozens more were injured after faithful protesters of Muhatada al-Sadr attacked the presidential palace.

The violence flared up after Sadr announced his withdrawal from politics, the BBC writes, broadcasts Klankosova.tv.

Iraq's interim prime minister has called for calm, and the military has declared nationwide statehood following riots in several other cities.

Much of the fighting has focused around the City's Green Zone, an area housing government buildings and foreign embassies.

The Dutch Embassy staff was forced to transfer to the German mission because of the clashes.