Following a July 1 decree by Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi ordering the factions of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) to be absorbed into the state security forces, pro-Iranian PMU factions have reacted with anger.
Abdul Mahdi’s decree says, “All Popular Mobilization Units are to operate as an indivisible part of the armed forces and be subject to the same regulations,” but does not clarify whether they must be integrated fully into the Iraqi army or become a parallel force under the supervision of the prime minister as commander in chief of the armed forces.