PMF - Islamic World News

Iraq is at a defining stage in its political evolution where the convergence of external pressures—namely Iranian influence and Turkish military presence—with the central government’s financial crisis and the complex internal power structure, particularly the multifaceted role of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), has seriously undermined the country’s prospects for political and security stability. The PMF now functions as a semi-institutional force that, while possessing defensive capabilities and social legitimacy, also operates through political, economic, and transnational networks that influence the behavior of some of its units. This increases the likelihood of autonomous actions, local clashes, or demonstrations of force.

In recent months, Iraq’s state-owned Rafidain Bank has come under U.S. pressure for various reasons, aimed at increasing financial strain on the Iraqi government regarding the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). In the latest round of accusations, Washington claims the bank processed payments and foreign currency transfers for Yemen’s Ansarallah movement through its branch in Sana’a.

Following the U.S. designation of Harakat al-Nujaba as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, a significant standoff occurred on Friday, September 19. A combat unit from the 12th Brigade of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), composed of Nujaba fighters, blocked an American military convoy from entering Tarmiyah, a district north of Baghdad.

ISWNews Analysis Group: Amir Abdul Moneim al-Saadi, a security expert, warned that US or Israeli aircraft may target positions of PMF forces on the border with Syria in the coming weeks.

The US Treasury Department has placed the national hero of Iraq, Abdulaziz Al-Mohammadawi, known as “Abu Fadak”, the deputy head of the Hashad al-Shaabi organization on its sanctions list.