The PMF said that social media reports did not come from official sources. [Getty]
The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) denied claims that Iraqi security forces searched its offices in Baghdad, calling the reports false.
The group said that social media reports did not come from official sources. It urged the media and the public to verify information before sharing it. The PMF also emphasised that all its units operate under Iraq’s official security framework. It stated they coordinate with state security forces.
The denials follow widespread unconfirmed claims that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) to inspect a PMF office on Palestine Street in Baghdad.
Reports said the alleged order came after a series of projectile attacks on Victory Base Complex, a former US and coalition facility within Baghdad International Airport, in the days before the supposed inspection.
After the attacks, local media and social media shared reports that suspicions about drones or missiles at the PMF facility led to the supposed inspection.
Anonymous sources close to Iraqi security suggested the PMF was storing advanced weapons at the Baghdad office. Officials or independent groups have not confirmed these claims, and their origin is unclear. Some reports said PMF members stopped CTS personnel from entering.
So far, Iraqi authorities have not confirmed the incident, and the reliability of these reports is uncertain due to a lack of official statements or evidence.
Saad Maan, head of Iraq’s Security Media Cell, said on Wednesday that security forces intercepted four drones near Baghdad International Airport.
Maan told the Iraqi News Agency that the drones were destroyed before they could cause any damage. He said there were no casualties or material losses, and security forces quickly secured the airport.
Iraq’s Ministry of Defence condemned recent attacks on military facilities. The ministry said drone and rocket attacks targeted Martyr Mohammed Alaa Air Base and Martyr Ali Flaih Air Base.
Officials said the bases are fully under Iraqi control, do not host foreign forces, and are home to Iraqi Air Force squadrons and army personnel.
The ministry stated that Iraqi defence systems and security forces thwarted several attacks. It warned that authorities would go after those responsible, stressing that attacks on these bases are a direct threat to Iraq’s military and national security.
Political push to end US security agreements
These security incidents are occurring amid an ongoing political debate regarding Iraq’s relationship with the United States.
Iraqi lawmaker Mohammed Jabbar al-Hassani has asked parliament to vote on cancelling the US–Iraq Status of Forces Agreement and the US–Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. These agreements set the rules for US forces in Iraq and outline political, economic, and security cooperation between the two countries.
The request to parliament states that the agreements require respect for Iraqi sovereignty and that they should not carry out military operations in Iraq without government approval.
The agreements include cooperation in the event that Iraq faces internal or external threats.
Al-Hassani said Washington has not fully followed the agreements and accused the US of often violating Iraqi sovereignty.
Eight members of parliament signed a document requesting that the issue be added to the next session. The document urges the government to request the withdrawal of US forces from bases in Iraq.
Sudani warns Iran
With regional tensions rising, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani spoke by phone on Wednesday with Masoud Pezeshkian to express concerns about Iranian strikes in Iraq.
Sudani’s office said the prime minister told Pezeshkian that these strikes violate Iraqi sovereignty and are unacceptable. He also shared concerns about US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Sudani repeated that Iraq will not allow its territory to be used for attacks on neighbouring countries.
Since the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran escalated, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have faced repeated missile and drone strikes. US military bases and diplomatic sites in Iraq have also been targeted by groups linked to Iran.
Separately, three sites linked to the PMF in Babylon Governorate were targeted by unknown air strikes, including Al-Suwaira, Al-Musayyib, and Jurf al-Sakhar. There were no immediate details about casualties or who carried out the attacks.
The Iraqi government is trying to stop the conflict from spreading in Iraq. But political sources say it is struggling to control armed groups linked to Iran.
Sources told The New Arab that Sudani has not been able to curb the leaders of pro-Iran groups in Iraq who are already involved in the conflict.
Sources said the prime minister tried to contact these groups through intermediaries and Coordination Framework members, but was unsuccessful. The factions reportedly stopped communicating after Iran’s former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed.
Sources also said Washington gave strong warnings to Baghdad that it may target Iraqi armed groups if attacks on US interests continue.
US officials have asked the Iraqi government to control militias after rocket attacks on the US Embassy in Baghdad and the US consulate in Erbil.
Sudani also spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss regional developments and the ongoing escalation.
A statement from the prime minister’s office said Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to protecting diplomatic missions, embassies, and consulates in the country.
He said protecting foreign missions is a key duty for Iraq’s armed forces and security agencies.
He repeated that Iraq will not allow its land, airspace, or waters to be used for military operations against neighbouring countries.
They also discussed the possibility of restarting the Iraqi oil export pipeline through Turkey, and its importance for Iraq’s economy, since oil exports are its main source of revenue.
