At a Glance

• 71 fraudulent offices claiming PMF affiliation closed in a coordinated security operation.
• PMF Authority denies all connection to closed sites and vows strict legal action.
• Weapons control drive aims to bring unregistered firearms under exclusive state oversight.
• Centralized database formed to track six million firearms across Iraq.

---

The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced the shutdown of 71 unauthorized headquarters that falsely claimed affiliation with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Executed in direct coordination with the PMF Directorate General of Security and Discipline, the joint operation forms a central pillar of the Iraqi government's broader campaign to restrict arms to state control and eliminate illegal armed presences operating under official covers.

---

Key Statements and Focus Area

• Official Disclaimer: "The fake headquarters announced by the Interior Ministry, whose operators claimed affiliation with the Popular Mobilization Forces, have no connection whatsoever to the authority," stated the PMF.
• Enforcement Commitment: "The Directorate General of Security and Discipline will keep investigating similar cases and pursue legal and administrative measures against anyone using the PMF name without authorization."
• Institutional Scope: Interior Ministry spokesperson Miqdad Miri emphasized that operations cover all 71 identified locations nationwide to prevent violations committed under the guise of official security forces.

---

Joint Operations Target Unauthorized Bases

The Iraqi Ministry of Interior executed the shutdown of 71 distinct locations claiming to operate as official PMF facilities. Spearheaded by Ministry spokesperson Miqdad Miri, officials confirmed that the closures were carried out alongside the PMF Directorate General of Security and Discipline. Security forces have permanently closed the sites to prevent fraudulent groups from using institutional identities for personal gain or unauthorized activities.

Popular Mobilization Forces Reaffirm Official Stance

In a public statement, the PMF Authority formally disavowed any association with the 71 closed facilities. The agency emphasized that the operation was carried out directly under the Standing Committee for Restricting Weapons to State Control. The PMF warned that strict administrative and judicial measures will be taken against any individual or faction attempting to impersonate its structure or exploit its name.

Government Broadens Arms Regulation Campaign

The operational sweep coincides with broader structural measures directed by Prime Minister Ali Zaidi, serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Alongside closing unauthorized headquarters, the Interior Ministry revealed it is building a national arms database covering approximately six million weapons, with over 500,000 firearms already formally registered.

FYI

Security reforms in Iraq have increasingly focused on curbing weapons proliferation and dismantling unauthorized paramilitary fronts that operate outside the chain of command. By coordinating directly with the PMF Directorate of Security, the Interior Ministry aims to differentiate legitimate state-sanctioned units from shadow organizations. As Iraq approaches state-mandated deadlines for arms consolidation, closing unauthorized bases and tracking civilian weaponry serve as crucial benchmarks toward enforcing institutional accountability and reinforcing domestic security.

Dive Deeper: Handpicked Stories for You

Follow Channel8 for continuous updates:

Iraqi MPs Demand Government Expedite PMF Service and Retirement Law

PMF Reports 20 Dead in US-Saudi Strikes Across Iraq

Al-Fayyadh Calls for PMF Bases to Be Moved Outside Cities Amid State Weapons Control Push