Popular Mobilization Forces

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, are an Iraqi state-sponsored umbrella organization composed of approximately 40 different armed groups, many of which are Shia militias. Formed in 2014 to combat ISIS, they were later integrated into the Iraqi security forces. The PMF is newsworthy due to the ongoing Iran war and Iraq being caught in the crossfire. Recent events include U.S. airstrikes targeting PMF members in Qaim, Iraq, resulting in casualties and funerals. These attacks highlight the PMF's involvement in the conflict and Iraq's precarious position as a battleground for external powers. The PMF's presence and actions contribute to regional instability and complicate Iraq's efforts to maintain sovereignty.