PMF begins distributing delayed June salaries after switch in payment system

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces have begun distributing June salaries to their personnel, ending a delay that prompted criticism from lawmakers and raised concerns among members of the paramilitary coalition.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the PMF’s finance and administration department said salaries had been released and would be available through designated payment outlets. The statement included a link to a map showing the outlet locations.

A separate statement from the PMF Commission said the delay was caused by a technical issue tied to a transition in the payment system and assured members that the disruption was limited to this month. “The responsible authorities have begun distributing salaries and will continue doing so through the coming days, including weekends and holidays, until next Sunday,” the statement read.

“To facilitate the process, the number of outlets will increase in the coming hours,” the commission said, urging members to avoid crowding and “help ensure a smooth and accurate process.”

For members whose bank cards were rejected, the PMF said a special link would be published soon to address cases individually. “All entitlements are preserved, and this update aims to protect salaries from errors or potential legal liabilities,” it said.

The PMF also denied speculation that the delays were caused by sanctions on payment companies. “We affirm the falsehood of rumors regarding penalties on companies handling the disbursement of salaries. All salaries are fully secured, and there is no legal or administrative barrier preventing their release,” the commission said.

The delay follows the PMF’s switch from Rafidain Bank to Al-Nahrain Bank, with new bank cards issued to personnel as part of the transition. The hold-up marked the first such disruption since the PMF was formally incorporated into Iraq’s official security structure.

The missed payday had sparked concern among lawmakers and commanders. “Is it fair or reasonable that the fighter affiliated with the PMF still doesn’t know the fate of his salary, which was not paid on time?” lawmaker Alaa Al-Haidari wrote earlier this week.

Meitham Al-Zaidi, commander of the Abbas Division, previously suggested that U.S. financial pressure may have played a role. He claimed the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve had issued warnings to Iraqi financial institutions about their intermediaries.

Established in 2014 to fight the Islamic State, the Popular Mobilization Forces operate under the command of the prime minister but include factions with close ties to Iran and varying degrees of autonomy.