Former PM Nouri Al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition
Maliki says PMF part of Iraq’s security system, rejects dissolution talk
BAGHDAD — State of Law Coalition head and prime minister candidate Nouri al-Maliki said Wednesday that the priority is consolidating state authority and unifying security decisions, stressing that the Popular Mobilization Forces are part of Iraq’s security system.
“The priority today is not dissolving this or merging that, but consolidating the authority of the state and unifying the security decision,” al-Maliki wrote on X.
He described the PMF, known as Hashd al-Shaabi, as “part of the Iraqi security system, established by law,” adding that its role was “decisive in confronting terrorism.”
Al-Maliki said the PMF is “an official institution approved by law and voted on by parliament,” and that “any talk of dissolution or merger takes place exclusively within the constitution and the law and by a decision of the state, not through rumors.”
He said any development of security institutions must take place “within the vision of the state and in a way that preserves sovereignty and stability,” and must ensure the force is protected “from weakness” with its combat readiness supported.
The statement comes amid renewed debate over the future of the PMF, formed in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group. Although officially part of Iraq’s security structure, the PMF includes factions closely tied to Iran operating with varying degrees of autonomy.
In August, the government withdrew a draft bill to formalize the PMF as a permanent military institution after warnings from rival political blocs and international partners. The proposal would have granted extensive operational, political and financial authority.
The Shiite Coordination Framework has nominated al-Maliki, who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014. President Donald Trump said the United States would not continue support for Iraq if al-Maliki returned to office.