Clashes between PMF, Iraqi Army in Karbala
The incident led to a security operation that resulted in the arrest of six PMF members.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A tense confrontation unfolded in Karbala on Thursday as Iraqi army members exchanged gunfire with a faction affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as the Hashd al-Shaabi.
The clash occurred amidst the Arbaeen pilgrimage, a major religious event commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
The incident took place near an army checkpoint, resulting in the arrest of six PMF members. The clash erupted when PMF vehicles attempted to pass through the checkpoint designated for pedestrians.
Both sides fired into the air, but no injuries were reported.
A security source revealed that the clash involved fighters from the Jund al-Imam Group, a wing of the PMF led by Labor Minister Ahmad al-Asadi.
A joint force from the Interior Ministry and PMF intervened to de-escalate the situation and apprehend the six militants.
Despite the integration of the PMF into the Iraqi security forces, tensions and clashes between PMF elements and other security institutions persist. The incident in Karbala highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Iraqi government in maintaining security and stability.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage, which attracts millions of Shiite pilgrims from around the world, has been marked by increased security measures in recent years.
The Iraqi army has deployed forces in and around Karbala to ensure the safety of domestic and foreign pilgrims.
Updated and corrected.