Falih al-Fayyadh, Head of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), has called on the Iraqi Prime Minister to relocate all PMF military camps outside urban areas. The statement came on the 12th anniversary of the organization’s establishment, as the government continues efforts to restrict weapons exclusively to state control.

Call to Relocate PMF Military Camps

Falih al-Fayyadh, Head of the Popular Mobilization Forces, made a request on Sunday during a speech marking the PMF’s founding anniversary.

He called on Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh al-Zaidi to issue a directive relocating all PMF headquarters and military camps outside of cities. He stressed that PMF forces are fully committed to the laws and regulations governing military movements in Iraq.

National Role and Rejection of Sectarianism

In another part of his speech, the PMF Head stated that the PMF is a national project that stands firmly against sectarianism.

He said the force has become an umbrella that brings together all components and religions into one front, representing all Iraqis and allowing minorities the opportunity to defend their respective areas.

Need for Alternative Military Sites

Falih al-Fayyadh reaffirmed that the PMF operates under the direct command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

He urged the government to provide suitable alternative bases to implement the relocation of forces outside cities and provinces.

Government Policy on Weapons Control and Integration

This request comes as the new Iraqi government advances a policy prioritizing the disarmament of armed groups and their integration into official state security institutions, aiming to ensure that all weapons in the country remain exclusively under state control.