PMF Chief: Iraq's armed forces at their strongest

Shafaq News/ Faleh al-Fayyad, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Chief, asserted on Saturday that Iraq's armed and security forces, encompassing all branches, have reached “unprecedented strength.”

Speaking at a commemorative event in Nineveh on the fifth anniversary of the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, former Commander of the Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, former Deputy Head of PMF, al-Fayyad emphasized the importance of global cooperation in combating terrorism as “a duty for all humanity.”

Al-Fayyad pointed out to Iraq’s progress in security, reconstruction, and social cohesion, stating, “Iraq’s army, interior forces, and PMF have achieved their strongest capabilities, with growing public support for the government and significant advancements in rebuilding efforts.”

Al-Fayyadh reaffirmed the PMF’s commitment to Iraq’s defense, noting its “resilience and role in confronting challenges.”

Notably, Soleimani and al-Muhandis were killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020, an event that significantly escalated tensions in the region. Both leaders are regarded as key players in Iraq’s fight against ISIS, with supporters referring to them as the “Victory Leaders,” while others criticize their roles as symbols of “external influence” in Iraq’s political landscape.