Iraq Excludes Popular Mobilisation Forces from State Monopoly on Weapons Decision

Iraq’s security media cell chief has said that the decision to restrict weapons to the state does not include the Popular Mobilisation Forces, known as Hashd al-Shaabi, and that the force is considered part of Iraq’s security structure.

Saad Maan said the decision is aimed at parties operating outside Iraq’s security institutions. According to him, the Popular Mobilisation Forces are part of Iraq’s armed forces and their personnel are subject to applicable military laws.

He also stressed that the purpose of the decision is to prevent parallel commands from operating and the use of weapons outside the framework of the state. According to the Iraqi official, the measure applies to groups that have no place in the country’s official security structure.

The Popular Mobilisation Forces were formed after the threat from ISIS expanded in Iraq and were later formalised as part of the country’s official security structure.