PMF Turkmen members block road in protest against leadership decisions

SALAH AL-DIN – Members of the Turkmen Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) staged a protest on Tuesday, disrupting the road connection between Amirli and Tuz Khurmatu districts in Salah Al-Din province by burning tires.

This demonstration was in response to recent decisions made by PMF Chairman Falih Al-Fayyadh, which they deemed “illegal,” to dissolve brigades and formations of Turkmen PMF units.
The protesters directed their demands towards Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, urging him as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to intervene and address what they labeled as “sedition.”

Mahdi Taqi Amirli, a member of the Parliamentary Defense Committee, strongly criticized Al-Fayyadh’s actions, labeling them as “irresponsible.” He announced intentions to summon Al-Fayyadh to parliament and potentially initiate a vote for his dismissal.

Amirli, in a statement, denounced Al-Fayyadh’s decisions, emphasizing the “sacrifices and heroism” of the Turkmen community against terrorism. He accused Al-Fayyadh of pursuing personal political and electoral gains at the expense of Turkmen citizens, alleging unplanned transfers of PMF members and manipulation of appointments.

Amirli described these actions as a deliberate attempt to stoke discord, undermine Turkmen unity, and diminish their strength and influence. The Shia Turkmen population in Salah Al-Din and Kirkuk provinces mainly resides in Tuz Khormatu, Amirli, Taza sub-district, and Bashir village, while Sunni Turkmen are predominantly concentrated in Kirkuk city itself. The PMF has established multiple units among the Shia Turkmen in the region.