PMF head affirms the force is integral Iraqi state institution

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Jun 2024 23:14

Faleh al-Fayyadh, head of the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, emphasized the significance of passing the service and retirement law as a step toward honoring fighters, underscoring the organization's commitment to national security.

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Faleh al-Fayyad, head of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, speaking at the conference marking the 10th anniversary of the founding of the PMF on June 13, 2024 (Social media)

Faleh al-Fayyadh, head of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), said on Thursday that the adoption of the service and retirement law for the PMF is the first sign of loyalty to the fighters, stressing that what has been achieved was in the spirit of Resistance and not in the spirit of a job.

Speaking at a conference marking the 10th anniversary of the founding of the PMF, al-Fayyadh said, "The PMF did not achieve what it did in the spirit of paying for fighting, as we are not mercenaries."

While stressing that he "does not underestimate the other armed forces formations," al-Fayyadh emphasized the uniqueness of the PMF as "an entity that arose from a legitimate basis and was built on volunteerism and self-motivation," stressing that this "identity must be preserved."

Al-Fayyadh stressed, "Bearing very heavy burdens from both close and distant quarters to maintain this entity as one representing the spirit of jihad [fighting against the enemies] and rising above partial classifications and political categorizations, above parties and above any other designation," explaining that "the Popular Mobilization is the present shield of the nation in every confrontation and battle."

He expressed gratitude to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who defended the Popular Mobilization after being accused of being "outside the command system and not under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces," affirming that "the government's statement yesterday was clear, explicit, and defiant that the Popular Mobilization is one of the state institutions that it values and operates under the command of the state and is present to defend the homeland in all battles."

Al-Fayyadh affirmed that the Popular Mobilization has the ability to adapt to circumstances to always be at the forefront, noting that "investment in construction, agriculture, industry, human development, and education are the elements of our current battle."

He emphasized that the Popular Mobilization Forces works to protect the country, its people, and their interests, with its fundamental role being national security in its precise and true meanings.

Al-Fayyadh said that "the sons of Gaza have raised our heads and provided an example of patience and sacrifice at a time when these values are rare," congratulating the Resistance fighters who support them.