Iraqi authorities have announced a countrywide curfew starting at 7 p.m. Monday until further notice due to the escalating situation in the country, according to a statement by the Joint Command of the Iraqi Security Forces broadcast by Al Jazeera TV.

"A total ban on movement in all Iraqi provinces is announced starting at 7 p.m. today until further notice," the security forces said in the order.

Earlier, Iraqi authorities had announced a curfew starting at 3:30 p.m. only in Baghdad, but supporters of Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr, who infiltrated the Republican Palace inside Baghdad's protected Green Zone, ignored the authorities' order. Security forces are now dispersing the protesters using tear gas and firearms, RIA Novosti reported.