PM decree makes PMU volunteers indivisible part of Iraq army

Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has issued a decree that has made Hashd al Shabi or PMUs integral part of Iraq armed forces.
The Monday decree issued in the interest of the public good and as per the powers granted to him by the constitution.

Most importantly, it reads All Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) are to operate as an indivisible part of the armed forces and be subject to the same regulations.

Moreover, influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr celebrated PMU integration.

It further integrates the PMU which have proven a decisive force in Baghdad’s counter-terrorism operations.

The fighters, also known as Hashd al-Sha’abi, joined forces with the military in 2014 after the Takfiri Daesh campaign of bloodshed.

The PMU effectively contributed to the country’s anti-terror struggle, especially in liberation of Daesh-held areas lying to the south, northeast and north of the capital.

Iraq’s combined push aided by Iran’s military advisory support to the Iraqi military — led to Daesh’s expulsion in late 2017.

Most importantly, that prompted then PM Haider al-Abadi to order the PMU’s formal inclusion in Iraqi security forces.

That order granted the PMU many of the same rights as members of the military.

However, the US has been leading scores of its allies in a so-called anti-Daesh coalition in Iraq despite the group’s demise. But, US has systematically tried to plot against the PMU’s involvement in Iraq’s defensive affairs.

In May, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had met Iraqi leaders during a surprise visit to Baghdad. There he told them that if they failed to exercise more control on the fighters, Washington would respond with force.

Most importantly, it reads All Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) are to operate as an indivisible part of the armed forces.

Moreover, influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr celebrated Abdul Mahdi’s decision.

However, he made clear that he would sever its ties with the fighters under his support so that they integrate more closely into the military.

“What came from the prime minister on the PMU is an important thing and a correct first step towards building a strong state,” Sadr said in a statement.

PMU integrated in iraq army