Zaidi orders inquiry after US congressman posts images of flag desecration at PMF parade

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ordered an investigation into the desecration of a U.S. flag during a Popular Mobilization Forces parade held for Sovereignty Day, and legal action against those responsible, after an American congressman posted images of the incident.

A committee will establish what happened and report as quickly as possible, said Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief. “The commander-in-chief of the armed forces condemned this act, stressing the necessity of adhering to laws and diplomatic norms,” he said, adding that Zaidi had ordered “the necessary legal measures against those responsible.”

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson posted images on X that he said showed PMF members desecrating the flag at events marking the coalition’s departure. “If you needed any more proof that Iraq is an Iranian province… @IraqiPMO Zaidi is this what you think of America? Free Iraq from Iran,” he wrote.

The PMF was set up in 2014 during the war against the Islamic State group and brought into the state security structure by law in 2016. Some of its factions are closely tied to Iran. Four of them said last week they would not follow any government timetable for handing over weapons, and Kataib Hezbollah and Ashab al-Kahf threatened action against foreign aircraft and forces after the coalition’s exit.

The last U.S. and coalition forces left Erbil Air Base on Sept. 30, and Baghdad is moving to bilateral security arrangements with Washington. The government is also relying on a U.S. exemption, reportedly for an initial 30 days, to let Iraqi Airways resume flights to Iran.