PMU steps up role in Iraq's security after Basra rioting
Following violent protests in Basra in which PMU offices were set on fire, the PMU now plans to carry out security tasks in southern Iraq, which will expand its influence there.
Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) are intervening in the violence-plagued southern province of Basra, where demonstrators have been staging mass protests over a lack of public services, the poor economy and alleged corruption among public officials.
Protesters on Sept. 7 stormed the PMU office in Basra and set fire to many government buildings, including the Iranian Consulate. The next day, the PMU leadership issued a statement that read, “The deteriorating security situation in Basra calls for the need to protect its people, and the PMU will deal with [the saboteurs] just like it dealt with Islamic State [IS] militants during [previous] battles.” It added, “Ending the security unrest and protecting the lives of citizens is a national and legitimate duty.”
