Iraqi PM Denies US Request to Disband Popular Mobilization Forces, Says Hadi al-Amiri
BAGHDAD – Hadi al-Amiri, the Secretary General of the Iraqi Badr Organization and head of the Fateh parliamentary bloc, addressed recent rumors surrounding the future of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a powerful Iraqi paramilitary group. Al-Amiri announced on Wednesday that Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani personally denied reports that the United States had requested the PMF’s dissolution. This clarification comes amidst a swirl of speculation and disinformation regarding the PMF’s role and future within Iraq’s security apparatus. Al-Amiri’s statement aims to reassure the PMF’s supporters and solidify the group’s position as a legitimate force within the Iraqi state.
The PMF, also known as the Hashd al-Shaabi, was formed in 2014 as a coalition of predominantly Shia militias to combat the rise of ISIS. Since then, the PMF has played a significant role in Iraq’s security landscape, contributing to the defeat of ISIS and becoming an integral part of the Iraqi armed forces. However, the group’s close ties to Iran and its involvement in various political and security matters have drawn scrutiny, particularly from the United States. Rumors of a US request to disband the PMF, or at least significantly restructure it, have circulated for some time, fueling tensions within Iraq’s complex political environment.
Al-Amiri quoted the Prime Minister as saying, "The news about the US request to disband the PMF or merge them is not true." This direct denial from al-Sudani carries significant weight in dispelling the rumors and reinforcing the government’s official position on the PMF. Al-Amiri emphasized the importance of countering the "propaganda and lies" being spread about the PMF, highlighting the ongoing information warfare surrounding the group and its role within Iraq. He portrayed the PMF as the "backbone of Iraq" and urged a collective effort to defend the organization against these perceived attacks.
Al-Amiri’s comments reflect not just the domestic political dynamics within Iraq but also the broader geopolitical context of the region. He linked the alleged disinformation campaign against the PMF to what he described as a “Zionist-American plot” in Syria. This statement suggests a perception of an orchestrated effort by the US and Israel to destabilize the region and undermine forces perceived as aligned with Iran, including the PMF. This narrative resonates with a segment of the Iraqi population and further cements the PMF’s image as a resistance force against perceived external threats.
The future of the PMF remains a sensitive and complex issue in Iraq. While the Prime Minister’s denial offers a degree of clarity regarding the government’s official stance, the underlying tensions and concerns surrounding the group are likely to persist. The PMF’s integration into the Iraqi security forces has been a gradual and often contentious process. Balancing the PMF’s power and influence with the need for a unified and accountable national security structure remains a significant challenge for the Iraqi government.
The debate over the PMF’s role highlights the delicate balancing act facing Iraq as it navigates its relationships with both the United States and Iran. The US has consistently expressed concerns about the PMF’s independence and its links to Iran, while Iran views the PMF as a vital ally in the region. Managing these competing interests and ensuring the PMF’s integration into a unified national security framework under the sole command of the Iraqi government will continue to be a crucial test for Iraq’s stability and sovereignty. The ongoing information war surrounding the PMF underscores the complexities of this issue and the importance of accurate and reliable information in navigating the turbulent political landscape of Iraq.