Militias Threaten Retaliation
The Iraqi Federal Government has suspended the salaries of all Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Hashid Shaabi militias, along with payments to the PMF Commission itself, causing widespread anger and threats among the groups.
According to information obtained by BasNews from multiple sources, salaries for a large portion of PMF fighters have not been distributed for June, with only a small fraction receiving payments.
If the issue persists, salaries for the coming months are also expected to be halted.
Local Iraqi media reported that the suspension is linked to the sudden deactivation of all salary distribution cards used by PMF personnel.
While no official reason has been given, speculation points to internal disputes or external political pressure.
The General Directorate of Administration and Finance of the PMF Commission released a statement pledging to begin salary distribution once “routine administrative procedures” are completed.
- Some PMF leaders have accused the United States of being behind the move
According to al-Zaidi, the US allegedly threatened to impose sanctions on the company if it continued to work with the PMF, leading the company to withdraw and notify Iraq’s Rafidain Bank.
Al-Zaidi urged the Central Bank of Iraq to establish a domestic payment system to avoid future foreign intervention. “If our payment system remains international, then every day, some party will sanction us,” he warned.
Separately, Abu Fatima al-Iraqi, a prominent PMF-affiliated media figure, published a statement from Iraqi lawmaker Mustafa Sanad, who claimed that while salaries had been loaded onto the payment cards, an external intervention caused their suspension.
Sanad expressed hope that the problem would be resolved in the coming days.
In reaction to the delays, PMF militias have reportedly made various threats against the Iraqi Federal Government and have targeted Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani directly in their rhetoric.
The salary suspension comes amid a sensitive political environment and could further strain relations between armed factions and the central government.
https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/887686
