Leader of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq urges government to end coalition presence

BAGHDAD, January 4 — Qais al-Khazali, the Secretary-General of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, called on the Iraqi government on Thursday to take decisive steps to end the presence of the International Coalition Forces. He emphasized that mere condemnations are no longer effective, commenting on the targeting of the Popular Mobilization Forces’ (PMF) headquarters in Baghdad.

Statement translation:

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

In a blatant violation resulting in the loss of innocent lives, and a clear infringement on the security and sovereignty of Iraq, the occupying U.S. forces targeted the Deputy Commander of the Belt of Baghdad Operations, Martyr Abu Taqwa Al-Seidi, and his companion Martyr Abu Sajjad, a leader in the 12th Brigade of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Several members were wounded in a drone strike on the headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Forces in the heart of the capital, Baghdad.

The U.S. forces, responsible for this terrorist crime, bear full responsibility for violating Iraqi sovereignty and attacking our mujahideen brothers in the Popular Mobilization Forces. At a time when statements and condemnations prove futile in the face of repeated crimes and violations, we call on the Iraqi government to take decisive steps to end the presence of the so-called “international coalition” in Iraq, expelling all foreign occupying forces immediately and eliminating any pretexts the Americans may use to prolong their presence on our land and in our skies. We emphasize the necessity of holding these forces legally accountable for their crimes and violations.

May the martyrs rest in peace and paradise, condolences to their families and fellow mujahideen, and a speedy recovery for the wounded. To Allah, we belong and to Him, we shall return.