Iraq to build military camps for Hashd al-Shaabi outside cities

By Mohammad Ragawi

ISTANBUL (AA) – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said Wednesday that his government is working to build military camps for the Hashd al-Shaabi militia (Popular Mobilization Forces) outside cities.

The Hashd al-Shaabi "played a crucial role in supporting the army to safeguard state institutions and Iraq's political system," al-Sudani said during a ceremony marking the 9th anniversary of the militia’s establishment.

"The government is actively building camps and bases for the Popular Mobilization Forces outside urban cities, aiming to fulfill its original military objectives," he added.

The Hashd al-Shaabi was established in 2014 following a fatwa by prominent Iraqi Shia cleric Ali al-Sistani to fight against the Daesh/ISIS terrorist group.

"The Popular Mobilization Forces cannot be underestimated or overlooked in terms of security. It has become an indispensable element in ensuring peace and stability on the streets of Iraq," al-Sudani said.

In 2017, Iraq declared victory over Daesh/ISIS by reclaiming all territories captured by terrorists since the summer of 2014, estimated to be about a third of the country’s total area.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar