A deadly confrontation erupted today in Baghdad’s Karkh district between Iraqi police forces and militants affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), leaving at least one policeman dead and nine others injured, according to security and medical sources.
The Iraqi Ministry of Interior said the armed clash began when a group of PMF militants stormed a Ministry of Agriculture building as a newly appointed director was assuming his post.
The militants allegedly sought to block the appointment of the new official, leading to chaos during an ongoing administrative meeting, reports Al-Rai daily.
Employees at the scene reported panic as the gunmen entered, prompting emergency calls to the security forces. A swift response led to a gunfight, during which security forces arrested 14 armed individuals, later confirmed to be affiliated with the 45th and 46th Brigades of the PMF.
The Joint Operations Command, which reports directly to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, confirmed that the detained individuals have been referred to the judiciary and legal actions were underway.
Al-Sudani, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, ordered the formation of a high-level investigative committee to examine the unauthorized mobilization of PMF units; the circumstances of the building seizure and the use of force against official security forces.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for accountability and reaffirmed that “such actions undermine state authority and will be dealt with decisively.”
Security operations continue in the Karkh district to locate any additional suspects involved in the incident.
