
Iraq’s Coordination Framework Denies Reports on Integrating PMF into Defense Ministry
Iraq’s Shia Coordination Framework denies reports on integrating PMF into defense ministry
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Shia Coordination Framework denied that it had discussed integrating the Popular Mobilization Forces into the Ministry of Defense during its most recent meeting.
In a statement, the Coordination Framework’s media office addressed reports circulating on social media and in local news outlets, dismissing them as baseless.
“Some social media platforms and local media outlets have spread false claims alleging that discussions took place during the last Coordination Framework meeting about withdrawing the PMF from specific areas or integrating it into the Ministry of Defense,” the statement read. “None of these matters were ever raised. These claims are entirely untrue and without foundation.”
The Coordination Framework is an alliance of predominantly Shia political factions in Iraq as well as several militia groups. The Coordination Framework holds substantial influence over Iraq’s government, often shaping its policies on security, governance, and relations with regional actors.
The fate of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces has sparked intense debate following reports that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a surprise visit to Baghdad, allegedly urged the Iraqi government to dismantle the PMF and disband armed militia groups operating in the country. Blinken reportedly also called for the transfer of militia weapons to state control and pressed for reducing Iran’s influence in Iraq.
The PMF, a coalition of mostly Shia militias, was established in 2014 to combat the Islamic State’s rapid advances and was formally incorporated into Iraq’s armed forces in 2016. While officially under state authority, the PMF continues to operate with considerable autonomy and wields substantial influence over Iraq’s political and security landscape. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani rejected external calls to disband the PMF, stating, “It is unacceptable to make demands and impose conditions on Iraq, especially when it comes to dismantling the PMF.” Abu Alaa Al-Walaei, leader of the Kataib Sayyid Al-Shuhada militia, also defended the PMF, calling it a “fundamental pillar of Iraq’s strength and stability.”