U.S. State Department to Kurdistan24: PMF Bill Threatens Iraq’s Legal Institutions
US opposes Iraq's PMF legalization bill, warns it empowers Iran-backed groups attacking Americans. State Dept calls for strengthening official security forces instead, while urging Sinjar stability for Yazidi return.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The U.S. Department of State has voiced strong opposition to the draft law currently under review in the Iraqi Parliament that would formalize and institutionalize armed factions, many of which are aligned with Iran and have been linked to attacks on American interests. Speaking to Kurdistan24 during a press briefing on Tuesday, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce warned that the legislation would jeopardize Iraq’s legal and institutional framework.
The comments were made in response to a question from Kurdistan24’s Washington correspondent Rahim Rashidi, who inquired about the implications of the proposed “militia bill” and its potential impact on U.S.–Iraq relations.
“We strongly oppose it”
Bruce confirmed that the bill seeks to further institutionalize armed groups associated with terrorist organizations and Iran-backed militias, some of which have carried out attacks against U.S. forces and killed American personnel.
“We strongly oppose any legislation that is inconsistent with the goals of our bilateral security assistance and partnership,” Bruce said, emphasizing that such a bill undermines efforts to strengthen Iraq’s existing security institutions.
She added, “We support genuine Iraqi sovereignty, not legislation that turns Iraq into an Iranian satellite state.”
U.S. Reaffirms Support for Yazidi Return
During the same press conference, Rashidi raised a second question, marking the 11th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide by ISIS, and asking about the importance of securing Sinjar for the safe return of Yazidi refugees, thousands of whom remain displaced or missing.
Bruce responded by highlighting the enduring trauma of the genocide, calling it a “horrible dynamic” that devastated the Yazidi community and underscored the brutality of ISIS.
“Thousands lost their lives. 2,700 remain missing,” she noted. “It is important that survivors receive support as they pursue justice.”
The spokesperson stressed that security and stability in Sinjar are critical to ensure a safe, voluntary, and dignified return for the Yazidis.
“Yazidis deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives and homeland,” she concluded.
The U.S. government’s firm stance comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity in Iraq, where the future role of Iran-linked militias remains a divisive and unresolved issue.
