The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq stated that a hostile plot by the Baath party against the security of the country and the Arbaeen commemoration in Karbala, Muthanna, Babel and Diwaniyah has been thwarted.

Arbaeen is the commemoration of the 40th day following the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.

In a statement, the PMF said that "under the supervision of the Chief of Staff of the Popular Mobilization Forces, and with high efforts by the intelligence, and close follow-up, and after obtaining judicial approvals, the PMF carried out a widespread preemptive operation, during which a hostile plot was foiled.”

The statement added that the PMF was able to eliminate the cell, which includes prominent members and cadres, stressing that detainees were treated by the rule of law.

This success is the latest in a long series of anti-terrorist efforts taken by the PMF, as the fight against domestic and foreign terrorism - fueled mainly by the social, political and financial collapse caused by the US occupation of Iraq - rages on.

An Iraqi security source said, in late August, that a member of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) was killed and three others were wounded when an explosive device detonated in the north of the capital, Baghdad.

It is noteworthy that in late March, the Iraqi army launched a military operation to pursue ISIS terrorists in the governorates of Nineveh, Salah Al-Din, and Al-Anbar, with the support of warplanes and operations command and the participation of the PMF.