Baghdad
A joint security force comprising the Counter-Terrorism Service and intelligence personnel arrested “Abu Jaafar,” a member of the PMF Staff Office, along with three PMF personnel, from his home in the Al-Baladiyat area in eastern Baghdad.
The situation is no longer limited to targeting figures close to the armed factions. It is now developing into a deeper and more sensitive campaign targeting the core of the official institution itself, directly reaching the PMF Chief of Staff’s Office through the arrest of one of its prominent members.
This represents a dangerous and unprecedented escalation !
A Striking Contradiction on the Ground
The operation comes amid a stark contradiction: it coincided with major security achievements by the PMF on the front lines.
Most recently, PMF units — particularly Brigade 63 — displayed exceptional bravery in repelling a fierce attack launched by ISIS terrorist elements behind the Tuz Khurmatu mountains.
While the PMF is confronting ISIS on the battlefield, elements within the Iraqi security establishment are simultaneously targeting senior figures within the organization.
⏱️ Suspicious Timing & Converging Messages
The arrest comes at an extremely sensitive political and security moment, coinciding with several significant developments:
The aftermath of the release of Abbas Al-Yaqoubi, Director of Intelligence for Baghdad Operations in the PMF, accompanied by government efforts to ease tensions.
The recent visit of Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf to Baghdad, only days before the arrest.
The visit of Sheikh Mohsen Qomi, representative of the Iranian leadership, accompanied by reaffirmations of Tehran’s support for Iraq, its institutions, and the PMF.
The timing raises serious questions.
It appears increasingly clear that the Americans are deeply concerned about these visits and the recent rapprochement, and are pressuring the Iraqi government toward greater escalation against the PMF.
Such pressure risks producing consequences that could directly undermine Iraq’s internal stability.
Even attempts to moderate the political rhetoric and de-escalate tensions do not appear to satisfy those pushing for confrontation.
The emerging objective appears increasingly clear: to push the situation toward a new confrontation with the PMF — regardless of the consequences for Iraq’s security and sovereignty.