New commander appointed for Popular Mobilization operations in Samarra

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The head of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Falah al-Fayyadh, signed an administrative order removing Ali Jahife Lutff al-Shammari as commander of operations in Samarra and replacing him with Yusuf Mizan Nasif Ragif, according to local reports. Following the order, fighters affiliated with the Saraya al-Salam militia deployed to several points and main streets in the city, security sources said. The new commander is said to be linked to the Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement, while the ousted commander had been viewed as close to Saraya al-Salam, reviving long-standing tensions between the two groups. The rivalry dates to 2014, when Qais al-Khazali broke away from the Sadrist movement to found Asaib Ahl al-Haq, a split that has at times escalated into armed clashes. The leadership change came as fallout continued from Muqtada al-Sadr's decision to disband Saraya al-Salam and hand over its headquarters and weapons to the state. Former Saraya al-Salam commanders and members argue that decisions affecting the group should be issued under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, not through internal PMF orders. Samarra, home to the shrines of two revered Shia imams, remains a city of heavy security presence following its role in the war against ISIS. No further details on the administrative order were immediately available.