Tensions rise in Samarra as paramilitary command change draws militia protest

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) leadership removed Samarra Operations Commander Ali Jahifa Lataf al-Shammari and appointed Yusuf Mizan Nasif Ragif in his place, according to an administrative order issued by the presidency. The order did not state a reason for the change. Security sources said fighters from the Saraya al-Salam militia, linked to the Sadrist Movement, deployed to several streets and points in the city to protest the appointment, citing Ragif's ties to the Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement. Some Saraya al-Salam command-level figures refused to recognize the new commander, the sources added. Samarra is among Iraq's most sensitive cities, still shaped by the sectarian violence that followed the 2006 bombing of the Al-Askari Shrine. Saraya al-Salam forces have been deployed in and around the city since 2014 in response to the ISIS threat. No further details were immediately available on any potential escalation or official response from the PMF leadership.