Iraqi security forces regain control of government palace - UPDATED

Iraqi security forces regained control of the Government Palace in Baghdad and expelled the rebels from the palace, Report informs with reference to Al-Jazeera.

Tear gas was used against As-Sadr's supporters.

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Hundreds of followers of an influential Shiite cleric have stormed Iraq's government palace shortly after he announced he was withdrawing from politics, further deepening an unprecedented political crisis, Report informs, citing foreign media sources.

Muqtada al-Sadr's followers stormed the Republican Palace, a key meeting place for Iraqi heads of state and foreign dignitaries, for the first time. On July 30, they stormed the parliament building to deter al-Sadr's rivals from forming a government.

The Iraqi military announced a city-wide curfew for civilians and vehicles on Monday to quell rising tensions and the possibility of clashes. Al-Sadr's protesters filled lavish waiting rooms in the palace and chanted slogans in support of the cleric.