Badr Bloc defends Popular Mobilization Forces, warns against regional ‘interference’

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Badr Parliamentary Bloc strongly defended the Popular Mobilization Forces on Tuesday, rejecting calls for the group’s dissolution and cautioning neighboring countries against interfering in Iraq’s internal affairs.

“The PMF is a fatwa, a nation, and a creed,” said Mahdi Amerli, head of the Badr Bloc, in a statement. “Neither you nor those who share your perspective should entertain such thoughts.”

The future of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces has become a focal point of both domestic and international debate. The PMF, officially integrated into Iraq’s security apparatus, remains a significant force within the Axis of Resistance, a coalition led by Iran that includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and former Bashar Al-Assad regime in Syria—all of which have faced huge setbacks or, in the case of Assad, have lost power entirely.

Tensions escalated last week following reports that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a surprise visit to Baghdad, urged the Iraqi government to dissolve the PMF, disband armed factions, and reduce Iranian influence. Ibrahim Al-Sumaydi, an advisor to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, revealed in an interview with Iraq’s Alsumaria TV that the government had received clear requests from international and regional parties to dismantle the armed factions.

In response, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani firmly rejected these calls, emphasizing the PMF’s legal status under a 2014 law. Al-Sudani stressed that Iraq would not accept foreign dictates regarding its security institutions, stating, “It is unacceptable for conditions or dictates to be imposed on Iraq, and there are no terms or conditions for dissolving the PMF.”

Abu Alaa Al-Walaei, leader of the Kataib Sayyid Al-Shuhada militia, one of Iraq’s most prominent militia groups, has also rejected calls for the dissolution of the Popular Mobilization Forces, describing the group as an essential pillar of Iraq’s strength and stability.

Full statement from Amerli:

In response to the statement made by the Zionist-leaning Ali Al-Husseini regarding the potential dissolution of the Popular Mobilization Forces, we say to him: The PMF is a fatwa [religious decree], a nation, and a creed. Neither you nor those who share your perspective should entertain such thoughts.

The PMF will remain as long as the religious decree from our revered authority stands. We remind neighboring countries to refrain from interfering in Iraq’s internal affairs, as they have no right to do so. Just as we have not interfered in their affairs—particularly Saudi Arabia, which harbors these vile individuals who defend the Zionists more fervently than they defend their own people.

A question arises: Why do certain countries tremble at the mention of the Popular Mobilization Forces? Is it because the PMF represents the second most powerful force within Iraq’s security apparatus, capable of holding and defending territory without hesitation or fear? Or is it driven by sectarian motives?