Haklar Bloc Condemns Moves to Dismantle Popular Mobilization Forces

Haklar Bloc has condemned what it described as attempts by political circles backed by U.S. and regional pressure to dismantle the Popular Mobilization Forces. The bloc said the effort is aimed at breaking up the force’s structure and turning it into units attached to security ministries. MP Mikdat al-Hafaci said any proposal to absorb the Popular Mobilization Forces into other ministries or institutions is unacceptable. He said the bloc rejects integrating more than 200,000 Popular Mobilization fighters into other state bodies. Al-Hafaci stressed that the Popular Mobilization Forces are an independent institution and that its identity should not be altered. He said its structure must be preserved. A proposal to establish a new ministry to reorganize the security system and place the Popular Mobilization Forces under it has stirred debate in political circles.