A senior official from the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), commonly known as Hashd al-Sha’abi, has described September 30 as a historic day for Iraq, as it will mark the day when the US-led military coalition will withdraw from the country.
“September 30 will be a historic event and a major achievement to which many parties have contributed,” Director of the PMU Media Department, Muhannad Al-Aqabi, stated on Wednesday evening.
He added that “The security and stability which Iraq currently enjoys are due to the sacrifices being made by security forces.”
Aqabi noted that certain individuals are seeking to complicate the issue of placing all weapons under exclusive state control, and that some factions are attempting to exacerbate the situation.
He stressed that the anti-terror Iraqi resistance groups are fairly committed to the country’s political establishment and national stability.
The senior PMU official said all walks of Iraqi society “should celebrate September 30 as a day of sovereignty and joy,” expressing surprise at “the talk of confrontations or clashes occurring after that date.”
He stressed that “Iraqis will not get dragged into an internal conflict, as all parties are committed to Iraq’s safety, security and unity.”
Aqabi said that “dialogue serves as the best way to resolve any dispute,” adding that “Hashd al-Sha’abi has a role in bringing the government and factions closer together. Iraq is currently more stable than ever.”
Elsewhere in his remarks, Aqabi expressed hope that the legislation on the Popular Mobilization Units will be passed by the Iraqi parliament within the coming days.
The proposed bill includes the Service and Retirement Law for the PMU, and aims to organize the Popular Mobilization Commission (PMC) like other state security and military agencies.
“All indications point to its imminent passage, and there are no obstacles to prevent its enactment. The law will guarantee the rights of fighters and their families and contribute to the stability of the PMU,” Aqabi said.
He stated that Hashd al-Sha’abi is making progress day by day and is becoming stronger in terms of servicemen, training, organization, and military hardware.
Its role “will not change, and there are plans to develop its capabilities in line with global developments,” Aqabi pointed out.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has stated that the September 30 deadline for termination of the US-led coalition’s military mission in Iraq and the full withdrawal of its forces is “fixed and final.” The coalition was purportedly formed to fight the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group.
In 2024, Washington and Baghdad came to a consensus to conclude the US-led operations against Daesh.
US forces withdrew from most bases across Iraq last year; however, they continued to have a presence in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.
