15 injured after PMF members allegedly attempt to ‘storm’ agriculture ministry office

BAGHDAD — Armed clashes erupted Sunday in Baghdad’s Dora district between Iraqi security forces and members of an armed group affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces, injuring at least 15 police officers, according to the Interior Ministry and security sources.

The confrontation began when gunmen attempted to storm a Ministry of Agriculture office in western Baghdad during an administrative meeting, prompting a response from Federal Police and Karkh patrol units. The Ministry of Interior said the attackers opened fire on the arriving forces, injuring multiple officers.

“A group of gunmen stormed the building during a scheduled meeting, causing panic among employees who immediately contacted the security forces,” the ministry said. It later reported 15 injuries among police and 14 arrests. “The number of those arrested has now reached fourteen individuals involved in the armed assault,” the ministry said, adding that operations remain ongoing under senior leadership supervision.

Security footage obtained by 964media showed wounded Federal Police personnel receiving treatment at the scene.

The Joint Operations Command confirmed the suspects belonged to the Popular Mobilization Forces, specifically the 45th and 46th brigades. “After verifying their identities, it was found that they belong to the 45th and 46th brigades of the PMF,” it said in a statement, noting that the men had been referred to the judiciary and that legal procedures were underway.

The PMF, formed in 2014 to fight the Islamic State, is officially part of Iraq’s state security apparatus but includes factions with strong ties to Iran and varying levels of independence from government control.

“The Ministry of Interior affirms that it will not allow any assault on state institutions or any threat to the authority of the law,” the ministry said. “The prestige of the state and the rule of law are red lines that cannot be crossed.”

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani ordered the formation of a high-level investigative committee to determine how the group mobilized without official authorization. The committee will examine the armed group’s movement, attempted seizure of a government building, and assault on police units.

A senior security source told 964media the incident was triggered by a dispute between two rival armed groups following the appointment of a new director at the agriculture office. “The problem started between two groups, and when the security forces intervened, clashes broke out with one of them,” the source said.

The Dora area contains farmland contested by various groups. According to the source, a security meeting had been held six months earlier to prevent such factions from seizing control, but tensions reignited with the leadership change. “Light and medium weapons were used during the exchange,” the source said, adding that the armed group also sustained casualties.

Security reinforcements were deployed, and authorities have urged armed factions to surrender those involved in the fighting. The Interior Ministry said the search for suspects continues and vowed to “carry out their duties with firmness and responsibility.”