Iraq’s Abadi Rules Out Dismantling PMU

Local Editor

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi had categorically ruled out the dismantling of the Popular Mobilization Units [PMU], commonly known as Hashd al-Shaabi.

Abadi said on Saturday that the PMU operated under the supervision of the Iraqi government and religious leadership and was recognized by the state, making it clear that the group would not be dissolved.

Hashd al-Shaabi is a group of Shia and Sunni fighters that was formed after the emergence of the Wahhabi Daesh [Arabic acronym for "ISIS" / "ISIL"] terrorist group in Iraq in 2014.

In the early days of Daesh's terror campaign, the then-volunteer fighters played a major role in reinforcing the Iraqi army, which had suffered heavy setbacks in the face of lightening advances by the terrorists.

Last November, the Iraqi parliament recognized Hashd al-Shaabi as an official force with similar rights as those of the regular army.

The Hashd al-Shaabi forces are now actively cooperating with Iraqi forces in operations to rid the whole country of Daesh elements.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team