Iraq: Popular Mobilization Forces to hand over checkpoints to National Security Advisory

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Border Ports Commission has reached an agreement for forces affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to withdraw from checkpoints and transfer the matter to the National Security Advisory. The commission said the change was approved by National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji. Under the new arrangement, the checkpoints will be managed by teams within the National Security Advisory. The commission said the move is intended to bring security coordination at border crossings and checkpoints under a single centralized structure and to strengthen oversight. Officials said the handover is meant to streamline coordination and resolve overlapping authorities. They added that the changes are expected to allow more effective management of inspection processes at the border ports. The Border Ports Commission said the new procedures will take effect in the near term and that the relevant units have been issued the necessary instructions. No further details on the timeline were immediately available.