State of emergency declared in Baghdad as protestors storm into Parliament

A state of emergency has reportedly been declared in Baghdad after the supporters of Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr stormed the country's Parliament yesterday protesting against the continuing deadlock in approving a new Cabinet.

The unrest comes weeks after political turmoil in the region over Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's efforts, replacing party-affiliated ministers with technocrats.

The powerful parties in Parliament have refused to approve the change.

The protesters gathered outside the heavily fortified green zone, home to ministries and foreign embassies, after crossing a bridge over the Tigris river.

A security official said that all entrances to Baghdad have been closed as a precautionary measure to maintain the capital's security, reports the Guardian.

Meanwhile, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (Unami), which has its headquarters in the Green Zone, has expressed its concern on the situation.

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq has in a statement urged calm, restraint and respect for Iraq's constitutional institutions at this crucial juncture.

Earlier this week, the agitators marched towards the Green Zone to protest against the political impasse.