The Coordination Framework, the largest parliamentary bloc of Shia parties in Iraq, has warned of conspiracies constructed by certain parties to undermine the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) and revive terrorism in the country following the defeat of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group.

Ali al-Zubaidi, a member of the bloc — which commands approximately 185 of 329 seats in parliament — stated on Friday that evil foreign schemes are underway to weaken the PMU — better known by the Arabic word Hashd al-Sha’abi — and to eliminate its security role.

Such bids are being made at the same time as attempts to reactivate the sleeper cells of terrorist groups across Iraq, Zubaidi stated.

The Iraqi legislator highlighted that extensive efforts are underway by certain foreign parties and powers, which are discontented with security and stability in Iraq, through multiple channels as well as political and propaganda means.

Zubaidi emphasized that all such acts are meant to target the Popular Mobilization Units and weaken their position in Iraq’s official military and security apparatus.

He added that the suspicious anti-PMU schemes are being developed concurrently with an uptick in the activities of the sleeper cells and remnants of terror groups.

These terrorist elements are seeking to exploit any security vacuum to reemerge, carry out vicious atrocities and criminal acts, and spread instability throughout Iraq, Zubaidi stated.

PMU part of Iraqi security apparatus, its weapons under state control: Senior security official

The head of the Iraqi Security Media Cell (SMC) says PMU fighters are part of the country’s armed forces, and their weapons are already under the state control.

He underscored that the Popular Mobilization Units, in accordance with the Constitution, constitute the mainstay of Iraq's defense structure, and their dissolution or restraint directly benefits subversive and terrorist plots.

Zubaidi called on the Iraqi government and security officials to exercise utmost vigilance and caution, and to intensify intelligence efforts to neutralize foreign conspiracies and safeguard Iraq's stability and national sovereignty.

Hashd al-Sha’abi resistance fighters have played a major role in the liberation of Daesh-held areas to the south, northeast, and north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, ever since the terrorists launched an offensive in the country in June 2014.

Back in November 2016, the Iraqi parliament approved a law giving full legal status to the PMU fighters. It recognized the PMU as part of the national armed forces, placed the forces under the command of the prime minister, and granted them the right to receive salaries and pensions like the regular army and police forces.