Violent clashes between rival Iraqi forces have left 23 people dead and several others injured after protesters stormed a government palace and staged an impromptu pool party.







According to Mail Online, the clashes broke out in Baghdad after powerful Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr announced he was quitting politics, a decision he said was in response to the failure of other Shi'ite leaders and parties to reform a corrupt and decaying governing system.







Shortly after Sadr made the announcement on Monday August 29, his loyalists stormed the government's Republican Palace and jumped into a swimming pool while cheering and waving flags.







The celebrations turned to violence, with Sadr's supporters clashing with rival Shi'ite factions backed by neighbouring Iran.

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