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Gunfight in Baghdad: PMF Storms Agriculture Ministry

Gunfight in Baghdad: PMF Storms Agriculture Ministry

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In a dramatic escalation of violence, Iraqi police faced off against members of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Baghdad's Karkh district. The chaos unfolded when PMF fighters stormed the Ministry of Agriculture during an official appointment meeting, resulting in at least one police officer dead and several others injured.

Authorities reported that 14 fighters were detained following the gunfight, which highlights ongoing tensions between state forces and paramilitary groups in Iraq.

The incident has sparked significant concern over the PMF's influence within Iraq’s political framework, particularly given their close ties to Iran.

According to an unnamed member of Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful faction within the PMF, a fighter was also killed during the clashes, and the group expressed a desire to avoid further escalation. “The group does not want to escalate,” they stated, indicating a willingness to allow legal proceedings to unfold.

This event is not isolated; it underscores a broader struggle for power and control between Iran-aligned militias and Iraqi state institutions. Over the years, these factions have increasingly integrated into Iraq's military apparatus while simultaneously challenging governmental authority.

The PMF emerged prominently during the fight against ISIL in 2014, but its transition into formal military roles has blurred lines of accountability and governance. This growing complexity raises alarms about Iraq's fragile security situation and governance capabilities.

In response to this latest incident, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an investigative committee to probe the events further. The government's ability to manage these paramilitary groups is crucial for maintaining stability in Iraq.

As Iraq navigates its post-conflict landscape, the interactions between formal state forces and militia groups like the PMF remain critical to understanding future developments in the region. The implications of such clashes could shape not only local politics but also international relations concerning Iraq's sovereignty and alliances.