Baghdad Seeks Frozen Funds to Finance Militia Integration Plan

Baghdad is planning contacts with Washington to secure the release of part of Iraq’s frozen funds in several international banks, aiming to finance the integration of armed group members who agree to disarm into units within the Popular Mobilization Forces and some security and military ministries. The move comes as officials seek the budget needed to absorb a force said to exceed 800,000 personnel. According to the source, most of the armed groups have agreed to hand over their weapons, but the Nujaba Movement and the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades have diverged on the issue. The funding effort is intended to cover the costs of integrating those elements into state institutions. The frozen assets reportedly cover not only banks in the United States but also accounts in some European countries. If Washington approves the move, other banks are expected to join the release process. The source added that completing the integration would trigger structural changes within the Popular Mobilization Forces, with new names potentially emerging for its presidency position.