Chaos in Baghdad as paramilitary forces storm Iraqi government building

Three people, including a policeman, were killed and several others injured on Sunday in Iraq’s capital Baghdad, after a gun battle broke out between the security personnel and fighters of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a state-sanctioned paramilitary umbrella that includes groups loyal to Iran.

The violence erupted when PMF fighters stormed a Ministry of Agriculture building during the appointment of a new director. The militia was were opposed to the appointment of the new director in Dora area, where the group holds influence.

Official sources said that the attack was carried out by PMF’s Brigades 45 and 46, belonging to Kataib Hezbollah, one of the most dominant factions of the PMF which has strong ties with Iran.

The gun battle caused widespread chaos and disrupted the official meeting. Police forces rushed to the scene to regain control, but were met with gunfire.

The PMF, also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, is a coalition of militia groups, predominantly composed of Shia paramilitary forces. The PMF was originally formed to combat the Islamic State in Syria. As IS was pushed out of Iraq, the PMF was formally integrated into Iraq’s armed forces.

Many of the factions within the PMF maintain close ties with Iran. During the recent escalation involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, American assets in Iraq—including oil fields—were reportedly attacked by the militant groups.

US warns Iran to contain militias

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has raised fears that the war could spill over into Iraq. Several PMF-affiliated groups have issued warnings, threatening to engage if the conflict expands.

The United States has urged Iraq to dismantle the armed groups operating within its territory. Also, Israeli officials have threatened to bomb Iraq if these groups initiate attacks against Israel.

In March of this year, following the US bombing campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly pressed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to restrain PMF forces.

Hegseth warned Al-Sudani that the US would consider launching a military operation in Iraq if PMF attacked American interests. In response, Prime Minister Al-Sudani is said to have applied pressure on militia leaders, urging them to maintain restraint and refrain from issuing provocative statements.

Rising attacks in Iraq

Earlier this month, Iraq experienced a series of mysterious drone attacks.

These drones targeted both military and civilian sites, including a surveillance post in Duhok, Kirkuk International Airport, and the Baiji oil refinery in Salah al-Din province.

While many have speculated that the attacks were launched from a foreign country, no official accusations have been made. The Iraqi government has launched an investigation to determine the origin of the attacks.

The US Embassy in Baghdad has also issued warnings about a potential increase in violence across the country.

These warnings followed a series of attacks by militia groups on US assets, including military bases and oil infrastructure.

Amid mounting international pressure on the Iraqi government to dismantle the country’s armed militias, the recent attack on a government building raises questions about shifting power dynamics.

Call for de-escalation

Iraqi officials have reiterated that the state will not tolerate any attempts by armed groups to impose their will on institutions through threats or violence.

The PMF has called for de-escalation in the wake of the violence. Reports indicate that 14 PMF fighters were arrested after they attempted to storm the Ministry of Agriculture.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani confirmed that the detained fighters have been referred to the judiciary. He has also ordered a formal investigation into the incident.

Kataib Hezbollah stated that it would allow the judicial process to proceed without interference.

Baghdad continues to struggle to balance its security commitments to the international community with the strong influence exerted by Iran within the country.