Popular Mobilization Forces reverses Samarra command change, reinstates Akayli

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) reversed a brief command change at its Samarra Operations Command, reinstating Ali al-Aqayli to the post he had held before a short-lived appointment handed the role to Yusuf Mazban, according to the group's statement. Under the new order, Mazban will remain in his position as commander of the 36th Brigade rather than take over the Samarra command. PMF said Aqayli was tasked with overseeing the disengagement of the Sirr al-Salam brigades from the Iraqi National Shiite Movement and managing their restructuring. The decision was issued at the direct instruction of Prime Minister Ali al-Suleimani al-Zaidi to preserve security stability in the area and prevent potential tensions. PMF chief Faleh al-Fayyad had earlier appointed Aqayli as an adviser to the General Directorate of Operations, placing him in charge of the disengagement and reorganization of the 313th, 314th and 315th brigades from the Samarra operations. According to the statement, following Wednesday's short-term reassignment, the prime minister directed that Aqayli be returned to the Samarra operations commander post.