PMF chief says Mosul recovering quickly, some groups blocking IDP camp closures

MOSUL, Iraq — Falih Fayyadh, head of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), said on Thursday that Mosul is rapidly healing from the damage inflicted by ISIS and may now be safer than Baghdad or Basra. Speaking at a forum in the city titled "Ninawa... Today Building the Future," Fayyadh described Iraq's political system as rooted in democracy, built on peaceful transfer of power and the participation of all components. He said mechanisms to close displacement camps in the province are ready but claimed certain groups were obstructing the step in pursuit of their own interests. Fayyadh expressed hope that Nineveh would regain its central role in shaping Iraq's political landscape over the next five years. He added that stability in Sinjar has accelerated the return of members of the Ezidi community to the district, and that the government is closely following the file of kidnapped Ezidis, which he described as receiving careful attention. No additional details on timelines or measures were provided.