4 PMF Members Arrested in Baghdad Commander Among Them

Four PMF Members Arrested in Baghdad

Four members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, including Abu Jaafar, were arrested by a joint force from the Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence agencies in eastern Baghdad on Monday, according to an Iraqi security source cited by Asharq News.

The arrests reportedly took place at Abu Jaafar’s home in the Al-Baladiyat area of eastern Baghdad. Abu Jaafar is described as a member of the PMF commission’s staff. Iraqi authorities have not yet issued an official statement explaining why the four men were detained or confirming any charges against them.

Arrest Follows Earlier PMF Detention

The latest arrests come days after the detention and later release of Abbas al-Yacoubi, who served as intelligence director of PMF operations in the Baghdad Belt. He had been detained over allegations linked to attacks targeting the US presence in Iraq.

Iraqi judicial authorities later dismissed the charges against al-Yacoubi and acquitted him, with the legal cases and related procedures dropped. His case had drawn attention because of his positions within the Harakat al-Nujaba movement and the Baghdad Belt operations command.

Iraq Faces Sensitive Weapons-Control Issue

The arrests also come as Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s government continues to face the politically sensitive issue of bringing weapons under state control. Baghdad has been working to strengthen its authority over armed groups and reinforce the country’s security framework.

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The Nujaba movement has previously rejected the idea that weapons belonging to what it calls the “Resistance” should be included in the government’s weapons-control program. The issue remains a major security and political challenge for Iraq as the government seeks greater control over armed activity.

Government Says Weapons Must Remain Under State Authority

Iraq’s National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji has said the government is continuing to implement decisions aimed at restricting weapons to the state. He has also stressed the importance of strengthening security agreements with friendly and neighboring countries.

According to the government position, Iraq’s constitution does not permit armed groups that threaten the security of neighboring countries or the wider region. Officials argue that a more stable security environment is necessary for economic reforms and for attracting international companies and investment.

The detention of four PMF members comes at a sensitive time for Iraq, where the government is attempting to balance security concerns, armed-group influence and its broader political commitments. The absence of an official explanation for the latest arrests means the specific allegations against the detainees remain unclear.

For now, Iraqi authorities have not publicly confirmed the charges against Abu Jaafar or the other three PMF members. Further official statements or judicial decisions could provide more information about the circumstances surrounding the arrests.