Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces deny withdrawing from Anbar headquarters

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A senior commander with Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) on Saturday denied reports that the group had evacuated its headquarters in Anbar province. Qasim Musleh, commander of PMF operations in Anbar, said in a written statement that the claims were unfounded and that forces under his command were continuing their normal duties. Musleh said PMF units in the province were operating at the highest level of readiness and that all headquarters and formations were working within approved security plans. He added that security forces remained deployed across their areas of responsibility and that the security situation was under control. The commander urged against circulating unverified information from unofficial sources and called on the public to rely on statements from competent authorities. He said the PMF Anbar Operations Command was continuously monitoring security developments and that measures were in place to protect the province's stability and safeguard residents.