The Popular Mobilization Forces: Origins and Structure
The Popular Mobilization Forces emerged in 2014 during one of Iraq’s most critical security crises. Following the rapid territorial expansion of the extremist group ISIS, a religious decree (fatwa) called on Iraqi citizens to mobilize in defense of the country. In response, a wide array of militias—many with differing ideological and political orientations—came together under what would become the PMF umbrella.
Over time, the PMF evolved into a formal component of the Iraqi state’s security apparatus. The Iraqi government officially integrated the organization, granting it legal status and state funding. However, the PMF is not a monolithic entity. It includes dozens of factions with varying allegiances, including groups with strong ties to Iran, as well as others more closely aligned with Iraqi nationalism.
This diversity complicates how the organization is perceived internationally. Some countries view certain PMF factions as destabilizing or hostile, while others recognize the PMF’s role in combating ISIS and maintaining internal security.
