Tensions escalate between Iraq PM, Iran-backed militia

Tensions have recently intensified between Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi and the Iran-backed Shia militia group Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi (the Popular Mobilisation Forces) following the authorities’ arrest of a leader from the group, Russia Today reported on its Arabic site.

Leaders from the Popular Mobilisation Forces and other political factions have been in contact with the Kadhimi government in efforts to convince the government to release Qasim Muslih, a Hashd commander in Anbar.

Al-Kadhimi told mediators seeking Muslih’s release that it is the Iraqi judiciary, not himself, that will decide on the case, according to Russia Today.

Iraqi authorities have closed Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone area, where government offices and foreign embassies are located against the backdrop of the recent tensions between the Kadhimi government and the Iran-backed militia.

On its part, the militia, which Washington has said is a threat to regional security, said that it will launch a massive protest in the Shia city of Karbala to call for Muslih’s release.

READ: Iraq militia chief arrested over attacks on base hosting US forces