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Al-Haschd asch-Schaʿbī

2015-03-28T15:33:32Z

Hashima20:

{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Popular Mobilization Forces
| native_name = Al-Hashd al-Shaabi
| image = Popular Mobilization Forces (Iraq) logo.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Popular Mobilization Forces logo
| dates = 15 June 2014 – ''present''<ref name=Al-Monitor>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces? |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-sistani-righteous-jihad-fatwa-popular-mobilization.html#|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref>
| country = {{flag|Iraq|size=23px}}
| countries =
| allegiance = {{flag|Iraq|size=23px}}
| branch =
| type = [[Militia|Government-sanctioned paramilitary]]
| role = Guerilla warfare
| size = 60,000 – 90,000<ref name=Niqash>{{cite news|title=Better pay, better weapons: are shiite militias growing more powerful than iraqi army?|url=http://www.niqash.org/articles/?id=3614|agency=Niqash|date=January 29, 2015}}</ref>
| command_structure =[[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)]]
| garrison =
| garrison_label =
| nickname =
| patron =
| motto =
| colors =
| colors_label =
| march =
| mascot =
| anniversaries =
| equipment =
| equipment_label =
| battles =
*[[Siege of Amirli]]
*[[Operation Ashura]]
*[[Battle of Baiji]]
*[[Dhuluiya offensive]]
*[[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)]]
| decorations =
| battle_honours =
| battle_honours_label =
| disbanded =
| flying_hours =
| website =

| current_commander =
| commander1 =
*{{flagicon|Iraq}} Falih al-Fayyadh (Chairman of Popular Mobilization Committee)
*{{flagicon image|Kata'ib Hezbollah flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis]] (Deputy Chairman of Popular Mobilization Committee)
*{{flagicon image|Badr Organisation Military flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Hadi Al-Amiri]] (Head of [[Badr Organization]])
*{{flagicon image|Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Qais Khazali]] (Head of [[Asaib Ahl al-Haq]])
*{{flagicon image|Peace Brigades (Iraq).png|size=23px}} [[Muqtada al-Sadr]] (Head of [[Peace Brigades (Iraq)|Peace Brigades]])
*{{flagicon image|Kata'ib al-Imam Ali logo.jpg|size=23px}} Shibl al-Zaydi (Head of Kata'ib al-Imam Ali)
| commander1_label = Leaders
| commander2 = *[[Abu Azrael]]
| commander2_label = Notable Fighters
| commander3 =
| commander3_label =
| commander4 =
| commander4_label =
| commander5 =
| commander5_label =
| commander6 =
| commander6_label =
| commander7 =
| commander7_label =
| commander8 =
| commander8_label =
| commander9 =
| commander9_label =
| notable_commanders =

| identification_symbol =
| identification_symbol_label =
| identification_symbol_2 =
| identification_symbol_2_label =
| identification_symbol_3 =
| identification_symbol_3_label =
| identification_symbol_4 =
| identification_symbol_4_label =

| aircraft_attack =
| aircraft_bomber =
| aircraft_electronic =
| aircraft_fighter =
| aircraft_helicopter =
| aircraft_helicopter_attack =
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo =
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole =
| aircraft_helicopter_observation =
| aircraft_helicopter_transport =
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer =
| aircraft_helicopter_utility =
| aircraft_interceptor =
| aircraft_patrol =
| aircraft_recon =
| aircraft_trainer =
| aircraft_transport =
| aircraft_tanker =
| aircraft_general =
}}
{{infobox war faction
|name= Popular Mobilization Forces
|native_name=''Al-Hashd al-Shaabi''
|native_name_lang=Arabic
|war= [[Iraqi insurgency (2011–present)]]
|image=
|caption=
|active= 15 June 2014 {{spaced ndash}} ''present''<ref name=Al-Monitor />
|ideology= [[Twelver|Twelver Shi'a]]<ref name="Twelver Shias - Rudaw">{{cite news|title=Sunnis in Kirkuk are annoyed from the Shi'ite Popular Mobilization fighters|url=http://rudaw.net/arabic/kurdistan/011020143|agency=Rudaw|date=October 1, 2014}}</ref>
|headquarters= [[Najaf]], [[Baghdad]]
|area= [[Iraq]]
|strength= 60,000 {{spaced ndash}} 90,000<ref name=Niqash />
|clans=
*{{flagicon image|Badr Organisation Military flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Badr Organization]]
*{{flagicon image|Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq]]
*{{flagicon image|Peace Brigades (Iraq).png|size=23px}} [[Peace Brigades (Iraq)|Peace Brigades]]
*{{flagicon image|Kata'ib Hezbollah flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]]
*{{flagicon image|Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada logo.jpg|size=23px}} [[Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada]]
*{{flagicon image|Kata'ib al-Imam Ali logo.jpg|size=23px}} Kata'ib al-Imam Ali
|next=
|allies= {{flag|Iran|size=23px}}
*{{flagicon image|IRGC-Seal.svg|size=23px}} [[Quds Force]]
|opponents= {{flagicon|Islamic State|size=23px}} [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]]
}}

The '''Popular Mobilization Forces''', also known as the '''Popular Mobilization Committee''' or '''Popular Mobilization Units''' ({{lang-ar|الحشد الشعبي ''al-Hashd al-Shaabi''}} which translates to '''The Popular Crowd'''), is an umbrella organization composed of primarily Shiite militias raised and deployed against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria]] in June 2014, alongside [[Iraqi security forces]].

== Formation ==
The PMF were formed by the Iraqi government on June 15, 2014 after [[Marja']] [[Ali al-Sistani]]'s fatwa on "righteous jihad" on June 13.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces?|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> The fatwa called for defending Shi'ite holy sites, defending [[Baghdad]], and to participate in the counter-offensive against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]], following the [[Fall of Mosul]] on June 10, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces?|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-sistani-righteous-jihad-fatwa-popular-mobilization.html#|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=AP Interview: Iraq’s al-Maliki denies seeking comeback|url=http://wtop.com/middle-east/2015/02/ap-interview-iraqs-al-maliki-denies-seeking-comeback/|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> The forces brought together a number of Shi'ite militias, most of which receive direct support from [[Iran]]. Along with a small number of Sunni tribesmen.<ref name="International Business Times">{{cite news|title=Islamic State: Iraq Battle Against ISIS For Tikrit Led By Iran-Backed Shiite Militia Forces|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/islamic-state-iraq-battle-against-isis-tikrit-led-iran-backed-shiite-militia-forces-1835134|agency=International Business Times|date=March 3, 2015}}</ref> The forces would be to fall under the umbrella of the state’s security services and within the legal frameworks and practices of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of Interior]]. In the course of events, some of these groups embarked on a different path, operating independently.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mamouri|first1=Ali|title=Concern in Iraq grows over unregulated Shiite forces|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/02/iraq-popular-mobilization-crimes-government-control.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=al-Monitor.com|date=17 February 2015}}</ref> 

According to some sources, the Popular Mobilization Forces have made a fundamental difference on the battlefield, as they have undermined the superiority of IS at the level of [[guerilla warfare]], as well as at the level of the [[psychological operations]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Iraqi volunteers' victories don't justify atrocities|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/contents/articles/originals/2014/12/iraq-popular-mobilization-shiite-achievements-violations.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=22 December 2014}}</ref>

== Composition and organization ==
While there are no official data about the strength of the Popular Mobilization Forces, there are some estimates, differing significantly; around Tikrit are believed to be about 20,000 engaged militiamen, while the grand total ranges are from 60,000 – 90,000<ref name=Niqash /> to 100,000 – 120,000 armed men,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sly|first1=Liz|title=Pro-Iran militias’ success in Iraq could undermine U.S.|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iraqs-pro-iranian-shiite-militias-lead-the-war-against-the-islamic-state/2015/02/15/5bbb1cf0-ac94-11e4-8876-460b1144cbc1_story.html|accessdate=22 March 2015|work=The Washington Post|date=15 February 2015}}</ref> including from 1,000 to 3,000 Sunni fighters.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wright|first1=Robin|title=In War Against ISIS, Numbers Don’t Always Tell the Story|url=http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2015/03/13/in-war-against-isis-numbers-dont-always-tell-the-story/|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=13 March 2015}}</ref> 

The PMF consists of both new volunteers and pre-existing militias, which have been grouped within the umbrella organization formally under the control of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of Interior]] Popular Mobilization Units directorate.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ali|first1=Ahmed|title=Iraq’s Prime Minister Reshuffles the Security Commanders|url=http://iswiraq.blogspot.it/2014/11/iraqs-prime-minister-reshuffles.html|website=Institute for the Study of War|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=14 November 2014}}</ref> Among these militias there are the [[Peace Brigades (Iraq)|Peace Brigades]], formerly known as the [[Mahdi Army]], [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]], [[Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada]], [[Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq]] and the [[Badr Organization]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Popular Forces Warn to Disclose Coalition’s Support for ISIL|url=http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2015/03/01/iraqi-popular-forces-warn-to-disclose-coalitions-support-for-isil/|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Islamic Invitation Turkey|date=1 March 2015}}</ref>

The chairman of the Popular Mobilization Committee in the Iraqi government is Falih al-Fayyadh, who is also the National Security Adviser.<ref name="Falih al-Fayyadh - Beladi">{{cite news|title=The National Security Adviser and the chairman of the Popular Mobilization Committee arrives at Kirkuk.|url=http://www.beladinews.net/index.php?aa=news&id22=10983|agency=Beladi News|date=January 5, 2015}}</ref> The PMF are allegedly led on the battlefields by Jamal Jaafar Mohammed, also known as [[Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis]], the head of Kata'ib Hezbollah,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Badran|first1=Tony|title=Exporting the Islamic Revolution|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/commentary/564933-exporting-the-islamic-revolution|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=NOW.|date=6 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashem|first1=Ali|title=Iraqi town celebrates victory over Islamic State|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/01/islamic-state-loses-dhuluiya.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=2 January 2015}}</ref> but the chain of command runs through pre-existing leaders.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sly|first1=Liz|title=Iraq's pro-Iranian Shiite militias lead the war against the Islamic State|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/iraq-s-pro-iranian-shiite-militias-lead-the-war-against-the-islamic-state-1.329733|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Star and Stripes|date=16 February 2015}}</ref> According to Iraqi sources, the different militias rely on their own chain of command, and rarely work together.<ref name=Niqash /> Alongside Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, other two people are in charge of the PMF: [[Qais al-Khazali]], commander of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq and [[Hadi Al-Amiri]], the chief of the [[Badr Organization]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grappo|first1=Gary|title=Iran’s Strategic Victory: Hezbollah-ized Iraq|url=http://thedailyjournalist.com/the-strategist/irans-strategic-victory-hezbollah-ized-iraq/|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=The Daily Journalist|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> Such organizational features are deemed to prevent the consolidation of [[Prime Minister of Iraq|Prime Minister]] [[Haider al-Abadi]]'s power.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barnard|first1=Anne|title=A Balancing Act as Iraq Claims Gains in Tikrit|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/13/world/middleeast/tikrit-isis-iraq.html|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=The New York Times|date=12 March 2015}}</ref>

The militias are trained and supported by military advisers, coming from both [[Iran]] and [[Hezbollah]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Iran’s Influence Grows In Iraq (Daniel 8)|url=https://andrewtheprophet.wordpress.com/2015/03/14/irans-influence-grows-in-iraq-daniel-8/|website=Andrew The Prophet|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=14 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashem|first1=Ali|title=Iraq’s Shiite forces claim victory over IS|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-shiite-hezbollah-nujaba-victory-islamic-state.html|accessdate=20 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=16 March 2015}}</ref> including prominent [[Quds Force]] figures such as [[Qasem Soleimani]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Analysis 03-06-2015|url=http://thinktankmonitor.org/analysis-03-06-2015/|website=Center for American and Arab Studies|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=7 March 2015}}</ref> The PMF also appeared to have deployed at least a [[Regiment]] under the command of [[Colonel]] Jumaa al-Jumaily in [[Al-Anbar province]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi forces retake region, police station in Anbar|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/News/113939.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Iran Daily|date=15 March 2015}}</ref> They are also said to have a their own military intelligence as well as administrative systems.{{fact|date=March 2015}}

== Equipment ==
The equipment of the Popular Mobilization Forces is a major issue. At the end of January 2015, a video<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItK0Jb88quw|title=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItK0Jb88quw}}</ref> showed a large [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]] convoy transporting several American-made military vehicles, including an [[M1 Abrams Tank]], [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 armoured personnel carriers]], [[Humvee]]s, and [[MRAP]] vehicles as well as Iranian-made [[Safir (vehicle)|Safir 4x4]]s and technicals with Kata’ib Hezbollah’s flags flying.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roggio|first1=Bill|last2=Weiss|first2=Caleb|title=Video shows Hezbollah Brigades convoy transporting American M1 tank|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/01/hezbollah_brigades_c.php|website=The Long War Journal|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=28 January 2015}}</ref> According to some sources, the Iraqi government is supplying U.S.-provided military equipment to the militias.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rogin|first1=Josh|last2=Lake|first2=Eli|title=Iran-Backed Militias Are Getting U.S. Weapons|url=http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-01-08/iranbacked-militias-are-getting-us-weapons-in-iraq|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Bloomberg View}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Armed with U.S. weapons, infamous militia beating ISIS|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/armed-with-u-s-weapons-ruthless-militia-beating-isis-in-iraq/|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> Iraqi minister of transportation, and the head of the Badr Organization, Hadi Al-Amiri criticized the U.S. for the lack of providing arms.<ref>{{cite news|title="Those Kissed US Hands, Didn't Get Anything": Iraq Shiite Commander|url=http://en.alalam.ir/news/1685165|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Alalam|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> 
Alongside U.S.-made military equipment handed over to or fallen into the hands of Popular Mobilization Forces, Iran is a major supplier; according to some sources in 2014 Tehran sold Baghdad nearly $10 billion worth of weapons and hardware. Furthermore, there is a daily supply of Iranian weapons,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hemdawi|first1=Hamza|last2=Abdul-Zahra|first2=Qassim|title=Iran eclipses U.S. as Iraq's ally in fight against militants|url=http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/01/12/iran-iraq-militants/21623533/|accessdate=20 March 2015|work=MilitaryTimes|date=12 January 2015}}</ref> including Iranian-made 106 mm anti-tank guns as well as 120mm, 82mm and 60mm mortars.<ref>{{cite web|title=BETTER PAY, BETTER WEAPONS: ARE SHIITE MILITIAS GROWING MORE POWERFUL THAN IRAQI ARMY?|url=http://www.preemptivelove.org/better_pay_better_weapons_are_shiite_militias_growing_more_powerful_than_iraqi_army|website=http://www.preemptivelove.org/|publisher=Preemptive Love Coalition|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=31 January 2015}}</ref>

== Major engagements ==
The Popular Mobilization Forces have been involved in several battles of the [[military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] since their founding, the most important being the [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)|Second Battle of Tikrit]].

== War crimes accusations ==
Some of the militias constituting the Popular Mobilization Forces have been accused of war crimes motivated by sectarian revenge reasons: according to Amnesty International, Shiite militias have abducted, tortured and killed numerous Sunni civilians.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Iraqi volunteers' victories don't justify atrocities|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/contents/articles/originals/2014/12/iraq-popular-mobilization-shiite-achievements-violations.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=22 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Shia militias accused of murder spree|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/humanrights/2014/10/iraq-shia-fighters-guilty-war-crimes-2014101311251478369.html|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=Al-Jazeera|date=14 October 2014}}</ref>
Highest Iraqi Shiite authorities, such as Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani or Ayatollah [[Hussein Al-Sadr]], called on the militants in the popular mobilization forces to avoid war crimes or other despicable behaviour<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mamouri|first1=Ali|title=Iraq needs justice, not revenge|url=http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/news/id_10194/Iraq-needs-justice,-not-revenge.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=The Arab American News|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> and inquiry committees have been established in order to find the truth.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraq’s PM Abadi Orders Probe Into Two Civilian Deaths at Anbar Security HQ|url=http://canadaheadline.com/world-news/asia/149-iraq-s-pm-abadi-orders-probe-into-two-civilian-deaths-at-anbar-security-hq|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Canada Headlines|date=13 February 2015}}</ref>

== Related voices ==
* [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)]]
* [[Iraqi insurgency (2011–present)|Iraqi insurgency]]
* [[Iranian intervention in Iraq (2014–present)]].
* [[Private militias in Iraq]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Military units and formations of Iraq]]
[[Category:Paramilitary forces of Iraq]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2014]]
[[Category:2014 establishments|Category:2014 establishments in Iraq]]

Al-Haschd asch-Schaʿbī

2015-03-28T11:55:26Z

Hashima20:

{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Popular Mobilization Forces
| native_name = Al-Hashd al-Shaabi
| image = Popular Mobilization Forces (Iraq) logo.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Popular Mobilization Forces logo
| dates = 15 June 2014 – ''present''<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces? |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-sistani-righteous-jihad-fatwa-popular-mobilization.html#|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref>
| country = {{flag|Iraq|size=23px}}
| countries =
| allegiance = {{flag|Iraq|size=23px}}
| branch =
| type = [[Militia|Government-sanctioned paramilitary]]
| role = Guerilla warfare
| size = 60,000 – 90,000<ref name=Niqash>{{cite news|title=Better pay, better weapons: are shiite militias growing more powerful than iraqi army?|url=http://www.niqash.org/articles/?id=3614|agency=Niqash|date=January 29, 2015}}</ref>
| command_structure =[[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)]]
| garrison =
| garrison_label =
| nickname =
| patron =
| motto =
| colors =
| colors_label =
| march =
| mascot =
| anniversaries =
| equipment =
| equipment_label =
| battles =
*[[Siege of Amirli]]
*[[Operation Ashura]]
*[[Battle of Baiji]]
*[[Dhuluiya offensive]]
*[[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)]]
| decorations =
| battle_honours =
| battle_honours_label =
| disbanded =
| flying_hours =
| website =

| current_commander =
| commander1 =
*{{flagicon|Iraq}} Falih al-Fayyadh (Chairman of Popular Mobilization Committee)
*{{flagicon image|Kata'ib Hezbollah flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis]] (Deputy Chairman of Popular Mobilization Committee)
*{{flagicon image|Badr Organisation Military flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Hadi Al-Amiri]] (Head of [[Badr Organization]])
*{{flagicon image|Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Qais Khazali]] (Head of [[Asaib Ahl al-Haq]])
*{{flagicon image|Peace Brigades (Iraq).png|size=23px}} [[Muqtada al-Sadr]] (Head of [[Peace Brigades (Iraq)|Peace Brigades]])
*{{flagicon image|Kata'ib al-Imam Ali logo.jpg|size=23px}} Shibl al-Zaydi (Head of Kata'ib al-Imam Ali)
| commander1_label = Leaders
| commander2 = *[[Abu Azrael]]
| commander2_label = Notable Fighters
| commander3 =
| commander3_label =
| commander4 =
| commander4_label =
| commander5 =
| commander5_label =
| commander6 =
| commander6_label =
| commander7 =
| commander7_label =
| commander8 =
| commander8_label =
| commander9 =
| commander9_label =
| notable_commanders =

| identification_symbol =
| identification_symbol_label =
| identification_symbol_2 =
| identification_symbol_2_label =
| identification_symbol_3 =
| identification_symbol_3_label =
| identification_symbol_4 =
| identification_symbol_4_label =

| aircraft_attack =
| aircraft_bomber =
| aircraft_electronic =
| aircraft_fighter =
| aircraft_helicopter =
| aircraft_helicopter_attack =
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo =
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole =
| aircraft_helicopter_observation =
| aircraft_helicopter_transport =
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer =
| aircraft_helicopter_utility =
| aircraft_interceptor =
| aircraft_patrol =
| aircraft_recon =
| aircraft_trainer =
| aircraft_transport =
| aircraft_tanker =
| aircraft_general =
}}
{{infobox war faction
|name= Popular Mobilization Forces
|native_name=''Al-Hashd al-Shaabi''
|native_name_lang=Arabic
|war= [[Iraqi insurgency (2011–present)]]
|image=
|caption=
|active= 15 June 2014 {{spaced ndash}} ''present''
|ideology= [[Twelver|Twelver Shi'a]]
|headquarters= [[Najaf]], [[Baghdad]]
|area= [[Iraq]]
|strength= 60,000 {{spaced ndash}} 90,000<ref name=Niqash />
|clans=
*{{flagicon image|Badr Organisation Military flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Badr Organization]]
*{{flagicon image|Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq]]
*{{flagicon image|Peace Brigades (Iraq).png|size=23px}} [[Peace Brigades (Iraq)|Peace Brigades]]
*{{flagicon image|Kata'ib Hezbollah flag.svg|size=23px}} [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]]
*{{flagicon image|Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada logo.jpg|size=23px}} [[Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada]]
*{{flagicon image|Kata'ib al-Imam Ali logo.jpg|size=23px}} Kata'ib al-Imam Ali
|next=
|allies= {{flag|Iran|size=23px}}
|opponents= {{flag|Islamic State|size=23px}}
}}

The '''Popular Mobilization Forces''', also known as the '''Popular Mobilization Committee''' or '''Popular Mobilization Units''' ({{lang-ar|الحشد الشعبي ''al-Hashd al-Shaabi''}} which translates to '''The Popular Crowd'''), is an umbrella organization composed of primarily Shiite militias raised and deployed against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria]] in 2014 alongside [[Iraqi security forces]].

== Formation ==
The PMF were formed by the Iraqi government on June 15, 2014 after [[Marja']] [[Ali al-Sistani]]'s fatwa on "righteous jihad" on June 13.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces?|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> The fatwa called for defending Shi'ite holy sites, defending [[Baghdad]], and to participate in the counter-offensive against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]], following the [[Fall of Mosul]] on June 10, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces?|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-sistani-righteous-jihad-fatwa-popular-mobilization.html#|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=AP Interview: Iraq’s al-Maliki denies seeking comeback|url=http://wtop.com/middle-east/2015/02/ap-interview-iraqs-al-maliki-denies-seeking-comeback/|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> The forces brought together a number of Shi'ite militias, most of which receive direct support from [[Iran]]. Along with a small number of Sunni tribesmen.<ref>http://m.ibtimes.com/islamic-state-iraq-battle-against-isis-tikrit-led-iran-backed-shiite-militia-forces-1835134</ref> The forces would be to fall under the umbrella of the state’s security services and within the legal frameworks and practices of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of Interior]]. In the course of events, some of these groups embarked on a different path, operating independently.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mamouri|first1=Ali|title=Concern in Iraq grows over unregulated Shiite forces|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/02/iraq-popular-mobilization-crimes-government-control.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=al-Monitor.com|date=17 February 2015}}</ref> 

According to some sources, the Popular Mobilization Forces have made a fundamental difference on the battlefield, as they have undermined the superiority of IS at the level of [[guerilla warfare]], as well as at the level of the [[psychological operations]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Iraqi volunteers' victories don't justify atrocities|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/contents/articles/originals/2014/12/iraq-popular-mobilization-shiite-achievements-violations.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=22 December 2014}}</ref>

== Composition and organization ==
While there are no official data about the strength of the Popular Mobilization Forces, there are some estimates, differing significantly; around Tikrit are believed to be about 20,000 engaged militiamen, while the grand total ranges are from 60,000 – 90,000<ref name=Niqash /> to 100,000 – 120,000 armed men,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sly|first1=Liz|title=Pro-Iran militias’ success in Iraq could undermine U.S.|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iraqs-pro-iranian-shiite-militias-lead-the-war-against-the-islamic-state/2015/02/15/5bbb1cf0-ac94-11e4-8876-460b1144cbc1_story.html|accessdate=22 March 2015|work=The Washington Post|date=15 February 2015}}</ref> including from 1,000 to 3,000 Sunni fighters.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wright|first1=Robin|title=In War Against ISIS, Numbers Don’t Always Tell the Story|url=http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2015/03/13/in-war-against-isis-numbers-dont-always-tell-the-story/|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=13 March 2015}}</ref> 

The PMF consists of both new volunteers and pre-existing militias, which have been grouped within the umbrella organization formally under the control of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of Interior]] Popular Mobilization Units directorate.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ali|first1=Ahmed|title=Iraq’s Prime Minister Reshuffles the Security Commanders|url=http://iswiraq.blogspot.it/2014/11/iraqs-prime-minister-reshuffles.html|website=Institute for the Study of War|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=14 November 2014}}</ref> Among these militias there are the [[Peace Brigades (Iraq)|Peace Brigades]], formerly known as the [[Mahdi Army]], [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]], [[Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada]], [[Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq]] and the [[Badr Organization]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Popular Forces Warn to Disclose Coalition’s Support for ISIL|url=http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2015/03/01/iraqi-popular-forces-warn-to-disclose-coalitions-support-for-isil/|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Islamic Invitation Turkey|date=1 March 2015}}</ref>

The chairman of the Popular Mobilization Committee in the Iraqi government is Falih al-Fayyadh, who is also the National Security Adviser.<ref name="Falih al-Fayyadh - Beladi">{{cite news|title=The National Security Adviser and the chairman of the Popular Mobilization Committee arrives at Kirkuk.|url=http://www.beladinews.net/index.php?aa=news&id22=10983|agency=Beladi News|date=January 5, 2015}}</ref> The PMF are allegedly led on the battlefields by Jamal Jaafar Mohammed, also known as [[Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis]], the head of Kata'ib Hezbollah,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Badran|first1=Tony|title=Exporting the Islamic Revolution|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/commentary/564933-exporting-the-islamic-revolution|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=NOW.|date=6 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashem|first1=Ali|title=Iraqi town celebrates victory over Islamic State|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/01/islamic-state-loses-dhuluiya.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=2 January 2015}}</ref> but the chain of command runs through pre-existing leaders.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sly|first1=Liz|title=Iraq's pro-Iranian Shiite militias lead the war against the Islamic State|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/iraq-s-pro-iranian-shiite-militias-lead-the-war-against-the-islamic-state-1.329733|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Star and Stripes|date=16 February 2015}}</ref> According to Iraqi sources, the different militias rely on their own chain of command, and rarely work together.<ref>{{cite web|title=better pay, better weapons: are shiite militias growing more powerful than iraqi army?|url=http://www.niqash.org/articles/?id=3614&lang=en|website=http://www.niqash.org/|publisher=Niqash.org|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=31 January 2015}}</ref> Alongside Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, other two people are in charge of the PMF: [[Qais al-Khazali]], commander of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq and [[Hadi Al-Amiri]], the chief of the [[Badr Organization]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grappo|first1=Gary|title=Iran’s Strategic Victory: Hezbollah-ized Iraq|url=http://thedailyjournalist.com/the-strategist/irans-strategic-victory-hezbollah-ized-iraq/|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=The Daily Journalist|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> Such organizational features are deemed to prevent the consolidation of [[Prime Minister of Iraq|Prime Minister]] [[Haider al-Abadi]]'s power.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barnard|first1=Anne|title=A Balancing Act as Iraq Claims Gains in Tikrit|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/13/world/middleeast/tikrit-isis-iraq.html|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=The New York Times|date=12 March 2015}}</ref>

The militias are trained and supported by military advisers, coming from both [[Iran]] and [[Hezbollah]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Iran’s Influence Grows In Iraq (Daniel 8)|url=https://andrewtheprophet.wordpress.com/2015/03/14/irans-influence-grows-in-iraq-daniel-8/|website=Andrew The Prophet|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=14 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashem|first1=Ali|title=Iraq’s Shiite forces claim victory over IS|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-shiite-hezbollah-nujaba-victory-islamic-state.html|accessdate=20 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=16 March 2015}}</ref> including prominent [[Quds Force]] figures such as [[Qasem Soleimani]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Analysis 03-06-2015|url=http://thinktankmonitor.org/analysis-03-06-2015/|website=Center for American and Arab Studies|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=7 March 2015}}</ref> The PMF also appeared to have deployed at least a [[Regiment]] under the command of [[Colonel]] Jumaa al-Jumaily in [[Al-Anbar province]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi forces retake region, police station in Anbar|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/News/113939.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Iran Daily|date=15 March 2015}}</ref> They are also said to have a their own military intelligence as well as administrative systems.{{fact|date=March 2015}}

== Equipment ==
The equipment of the Popular Mobilization Forces is a major issue. At the end of January 2015, a video<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItK0Jb88quw|title=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItK0Jb88quw}}</ref> showed a large [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]] convoy transporting several American-made military vehicles, including an [[M1 Abrams Tank]], [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 armoured personnel carriers]], [[Humvee]]s, and [[MRAP]] vehicles as well as Iranian-made [[Safir (vehicle)|Safir 4x4]]s and technicals with Kata’ib Hezbollah’s flags flying.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roggio|first1=Bill|last2=Weiss|first2=Caleb|title=Video shows Hezbollah Brigades convoy transporting American M1 tank|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/01/hezbollah_brigades_c.php|website=The Long War Journal|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=28 January 2015}}</ref> According to some sources, the Iraqi government is supplying U.S.-provided military equipment to the militias.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rogin|first1=Josh|last2=Lake|first2=Eli|title=Iran-Backed Militias Are Getting U.S. Weapons|url=http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-01-08/iranbacked-militias-are-getting-us-weapons-in-iraq|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Bloomberg View}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Armed with U.S. weapons, infamous militia beating ISIS|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/armed-with-u-s-weapons-ruthless-militia-beating-isis-in-iraq/|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> Iraqi minister of transportation, and the head of the Badr Organization, Hadi Al-Amiri criticized the U.S. for the lack of providing arms.<ref>{{cite news|title="Those Kissed US Hands, Didn't Get Anything": Iraq Shiite Commander|url=http://en.alalam.ir/news/1685165|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Alalam|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> 
Alongside U.S.-made military equipment handed over to or fallen into the hands of Popular Mobilization Forces, Iran is a major supplier; according to some sources in 2014 Tehran sold Baghdad nearly $10 billion worth of weapons and hardware. Furthermore, there is a daily supply of Iranian weapons,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hemdawi|first1=Hamza|last2=Abdul-Zahra|first2=Qassim|title=Iran eclipses U.S. as Iraq's ally in fight against militants|url=http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/01/12/iran-iraq-militants/21623533/|accessdate=20 March 2015|work=MilitaryTimes|date=12 January 2015}}</ref> including Iranian-made 106 mm anti-tank guns as well as 120mm, 82mm and 60mm mortars.<ref>{{cite web|title=BETTER PAY, BETTER WEAPONS: ARE SHIITE MILITIAS GROWING MORE POWERFUL THAN IRAQI ARMY?|url=http://www.preemptivelove.org/better_pay_better_weapons_are_shiite_militias_growing_more_powerful_than_iraqi_army|website=http://www.preemptivelove.org/|publisher=Preemptive Love Coalition|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=31 January 2015}}</ref>

== Major engagements ==
The Popular Mobilization Forces have been involved in several battles of the [[military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] since their founding, the most important being the [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)|Second Battle of Tikrit]].

== War crimes accusations ==
Some of the militias constituting the Popular Mobilization Forces have been accused of war crimes motivated by sectarian revenge reasons: according to Amnesty International, Shiite militias have abducted, tortured and killed several Sunni civilians.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Iraqi volunteers' victories don't justify atrocities|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/contents/articles/originals/2014/12/iraq-popular-mobilization-shiite-achievements-violations.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=22 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Shia militias accused of murder spree|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/humanrights/2014/10/iraq-shia-fighters-guilty-war-crimes-2014101311251478369.html|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=Al-Jazeera|date=14 October 2014}}</ref> Militias commanders strongly denied such accusations. 
Highest Iraqi Shiite authorities, such as Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani or Ayatollah [[Hussein Al-Sadr]], called on the militants in the popular mobilization forces to avoid war crimes or other despicable behaviour<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mamouri|first1=Ali|title=Iraq needs justice, not revenge|url=http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/news/id_10194/Iraq-needs-justice,-not-revenge.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=The Arab American News|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> and inquiry committees have been established in order to find the truth.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraq’s PM Abadi Orders Probe Into Two Civilian Deaths at Anbar Security HQ|url=http://canadaheadline.com/world-news/asia/149-iraq-s-pm-abadi-orders-probe-into-two-civilian-deaths-at-anbar-security-hq|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Canada Headlines|date=13 February 2015}}</ref>

== Related voices ==
* [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)]]
* [[Iraqi insurgency (2011–present)|Iraqi insurgency]]
* [[Iranian intervention in Iraq (2014–present)]].
* [[Private militias in Iraq]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Military units and formations of Iraq]]
[[Category:Paramilitary forces of Iraq]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2014]]
[[Category:2014 establishments|Category:2014 establishments in Iraq]]

Al-Haschd asch-Schaʿbī

2015-03-27T17:00:51Z

Hashima20:

{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name =Popular Mobilization Forces
| native_name =al-Hashd al-Shaabi
| image =Popular Mobilization Forces (Iraq) logo.jpg
| alt =
| caption =Popular Mobilization Forces logo
| dates =15 June 2014 – ''present''<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces? |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-sistani-righteous-jihad-fatwa-popular-mobilization.html#|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref>
| country = {{flag|Iraq|size=23px}}
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| branch =
| type = [[Militia|Government-sanctioned paramilitary]]
| role = Guerilla warfare
| size = 60,000 – 90,000<ref name=Niqash>{{cite news|title=Better pay, better weapons: are shiite militias growing more powerful than iraqi army?|url=http://www.niqash.org/articles/?id=3614|agency=Niqash|date=January 29, 2015}}</ref>
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| battles = *'''[[Military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]'''
*[[Second Battle of Tikrit (2014–15)|Second Battle of Tikrit]]<ref>http://observers.france24.com/content/20150311-video-shiite-militias-sunni-village-tikrit</ref><ref>http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/13/us-mideast-iraq-idUSKBN0M91DR20150313</ref>
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| current_commander = Falih al-Fayyadh
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{{Infobox War Faction
|name= Popular Mobilization Forces (al-Hashd al-Shaabi)
|war= [[Iraqi insurgency (post-U.S. withdrawal)|Iraqi Insurgency]]
|image=
|caption=
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|headquarters= [[Najaf]], [[Baghdad]]
|area= [[Iraq]]
|strength= 60,000 – 90,000<ref name=Niqash />
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|religious ideology= [[Twelver|Twelver Shia]]
|allies= {{flag|Iran|size=23px}}
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The '''Popular Mobilization Forces''', also known as the '''Popular Mobilization Committee''' or '''Popular Mobilization Units''' ({{lang-ar|الحشد الشعبي ''al-Hashd al-Shaabi''}} which translates to '''The Popular Crowd'''), is an umbrella organization composed of primarily Shiite militias raised and deployed against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria]] in 2014 alongside [[Iraqi security forces]].

== Formation ==
[[File:Badr Organisation fighters.png|thumb|150px|left|Fighters belonging to [[Badr Organisation]].]]
They were formed after [[Marja']] [[Ali al-Sistani]]'s fatwa on "righteous jihad", first to defend Shiite holy sites and Baghdad, and then to participate to the counter-offensive following the [[Fall of Mosul]] on June 10, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces?|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-sistani-righteous-jihad-fatwa-popular-mobilization.html#|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=AP Interview: Iraq’s al-Maliki denies seeking comeback|url=http://wtop.com/middle-east/2015/02/ap-interview-iraqs-al-maliki-denies-seeking-comeback/|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> The forces brought together a number of Shiite militias, some of which receive direct support from [[Iran]]. Some of the militias constituting the Popular Mobilization Forces are accused of war crimes motivated by sectarian revenge reasons. Although they are predominantly Shiite, there exists a Sunni unit composed of 2,000 members.<ref>http://m.ibtimes.com/islamic-state-iraq-battle-against-isis-tikrit-led-iran-backed-shiite-militia-forces-1835134</ref> The Popular Mobilization Forces were established by the Iraqi government on June 15, 2014, following Ali al Sistani's fatwa issued on June 13, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces?|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> The forces would be to fall under the umbrella of the state’s security services and within the legal frameworks and practices of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of Interior]]. In the course of events, however, some of these groups embarked on a different path, operating independently.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mamouri|first1=Ali|title=Concern in Iraq grows over unregulated Shiite forces|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/02/iraq-popular-mobilization-crimes-government-control.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=al-Monitor.com|date=17 February 2015}}</ref> 
According to some sources, the Popular Mobilization Forces have made a fundamental difference on the battlefield, as they have undermined the superiority of IS at the level of [[guerilla warfare]], as well as at the level of the [[psychological operations]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Iraqi volunteers' victories don't justify atrocities|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/contents/articles/originals/2014/12/iraq-popular-mobilization-shiite-achievements-violations.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=22 December 2014}}</ref>

== Composition and organization ==
[[File:Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq fighters.png|thumb|150px|left|Fighters belonging to [[Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq]].]]
[[File:Kata'ib Hezbollah in Iraq.jpeg|thumb|150px|left|Fighters belonging to the [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]].]]
While there are no official data about the strength of the Popular Mobilization Forces, there are some estimates, differing significantly; around Tikrit are believed to be about 20,000 engaged militiamen, while the grand total total ranges from 60,000-90,000<ref>http://www.niqash.org/articles/?id=3614</ref> to 100,000-120,000 armed men,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sly|first1=Liz|title=Pro-Iran militias’ success in Iraq could undermine U.S.|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iraqs-pro-iranian-shiite-militias-lead-the-war-against-the-islamic-state/2015/02/15/5bbb1cf0-ac94-11e4-8876-460b1144cbc1_story.html|accessdate=22 March 2015|work=The Washington Post|date=15 February 2015}}</ref> including from 1,000 to 3,000 Sunni fighters.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wright|first1=Robin|title=In War Against ISIS, Numbers Don’t Always Tell the Story|url=http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2015/03/13/in-war-against-isis-numbers-dont-always-tell-the-story/|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=13 March 2015}}</ref> 
The Popular Mobilization Forces consist of both new volunteers and pre-existing militias, which have been grouped within the umbrella organization formally under the control of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of Interior]] Popular Mobilization Units directorate.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ali|first1=Ahmed|title=Iraq’s Prime Minister Reshuffles the Security Commanders|url=http://iswiraq.blogspot.it/2014/11/iraqs-prime-minister-reshuffles.html|website=Institute for the Study of War|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=14 November 2014}}</ref> Among these militias there are the [[Peace Brigades (Iraq)|Peace Brigades]], formerly known as the [[Mahdi Army]], which is affiliated with Shiite cleric [[Muqtada al-Sadr]], [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]], Jund al-Imam, [[Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada]], [[Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq]] and the [[Badr Organization]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Popular Forces Warn to Disclose Coalition’s Support for ISIL|url=http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2015/03/01/iraqi-popular-forces-warn-to-disclose-coalitions-support-for-isil/|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Islamic Invitation Turkey|date=1 March 2015}}</ref> 
The Popular Mobilization Forces are allegedly led by Jamal Jaafar Mohammed, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, head of the Kata'ib Hezbollah [[Special Groups (Iraq)|Special Groups]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Badran|first1=Tony|title=Exporting the Islamic Revolution|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/commentary/564933-exporting-the-islamic-revolution|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=NOW.|date=6 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashem|first1=Ali|title=Iraqi town celebrates victory over Islamic State|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/01/islamic-state-loses-dhuluiya.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=2 January 2015}}</ref> and the chain of command runs through pre-existing leaders:<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sly|first1=Liz|title=Iraq's pro-Iranian Shiite militias lead the war against the Islamic State|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/iraq-s-pro-iranian-shiite-militias-lead-the-war-against-the-islamic-state-1.329733|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Star and Stripes|date=16 February 2015}}</ref> according to Iraqi sources, the different militias rely on their own chain of command, and rarely work together.<ref>{{cite web|title=better pay, better weapons: are shiite militias growing more powerful than iraqi army?|url=http://www.niqash.org/articles/?id=3614&lang=en|website=http://www.niqash.org/|publisher=Niqash.org|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=31 January 2015}}</ref> Alongside Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, other two people are in charge of the al-Hashd al-Shaabi: Qais al-Khazali, commander of Asa’ib Ahl Al Haq. and [[Hadi Al-Amiri]], the chief of the [[Badr Organization]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grappo|first1=Gary|title=Iran’s Strategic Victory: Hezbollah-ized Iraq|url=http://thedailyjournalist.com/the-strategist/irans-strategic-victory-hezbollah-ized-iraq/|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=The Daily Journalist|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> Such organizational features are deemed to prevent the consolidation of Prime Minister al-Abadi's power.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barnard|first1=Anne|title=A Balancing Act as Iraq Claims Gains in Tikrit|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/13/world/middleeast/tikrit-isis-iraq.html|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=The New York Times|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> The militias are trained and supported by military advisors coming from both Iran and [[Hezbollah]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Iran’s Influence Grows In Iraq (Daniel 8)|url=https://andrewtheprophet.wordpress.com/2015/03/14/irans-influence-grows-in-iraq-daniel-8/|website=Andrew The Prophet|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=14 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashem|first1=Ali|title=Iraq’s Shiite forces claim victory over IS|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-shiite-hezbollah-nujaba-victory-islamic-state.html|accessdate=20 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=16 March 2015}}</ref> including prominent [[Quds Force]] figures such as [[Qasem Soleimani]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Analysis 03-06-2015|url=http://thinktankmonitor.org/analysis-03-06-2015/|website=Center for American and Arab Studies|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=7 March 2015}}</ref> 
The al-Hashd al-Shaabi appear to deploy at least a [[Regiment]] under the command of [[Colonel]] Juma al-Jumaili in [[Al-Anbar province]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi forces retake region, police station in Anbar|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/News/113939.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Iran Daily|date=15 March 2015}}</ref> They are also said to have a their own military intelligence as well as administrative systems.

== Equipment ==
The equipment of the Popular Mobilization Forces is a major issue. At the end of January 2015, a video<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItK0Jb88quw|title=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItK0Jb88quw}}</ref> showed a large [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]] convoy transporting several American-made military vehicles, including an [[M1 Abrams Tank]], [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 armoured personnel carriers]], [[Humvee]]s, and [[MRAP]] vehicles as well as Iranian-made [[Safir (vehicle)|Safir 4x4]]s and technicals with Kata’ib Hezbollah’s flags flying.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roggio|first1=Bill|last2=Weiss|first2=Caleb|title=Video shows Hezbollah Brigades convoy transporting American M1 tank|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/01/hezbollah_brigades_c.php|website=The Long War Journal|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=28 January 2015}}</ref> According to some sources, the Iraqi government is supplying U.S.-provided military equipment to the militias.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rogin|first1=Josh|last2=Lake|first2=Eli|title=Iran-Backed Militias Are Getting U.S. Weapons|url=http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-01-08/iranbacked-militias-are-getting-us-weapons-in-iraq|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Bloomberg View}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Armed with U.S. weapons, infamous militia beating ISIS|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/armed-with-u-s-weapons-ruthless-militia-beating-isis-in-iraq/|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> Iraqi minister of transportation, and the head of the Badr Organization, Hadi Al-Amiri criticized the U.S. for the lack of providing arms.<ref>{{cite news|title="Those Kissed US Hands, Didn't Get Anything": Iraq Shiite Commander|url=http://en.alalam.ir/news/1685165|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Alalam|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> 
Alongside U.S.-made military equipment handed over to or fallen into the hands of Popular Mobilization Forces, Iran is a major supplier; according to some sources in 2014 Tehran sold Baghdad nearly $10 billion worth of weapons and hardware. Furthermore, there is a daily supply of Iranian weapons,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hemdawi|first1=Hamza|last2=Abdul-Zahra|first2=Qassim|title=Iran eclipses U.S. as Iraq's ally in fight against militants|url=http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/01/12/iran-iraq-militants/21623533/|accessdate=20 March 2015|work=MilitaryTimes|date=12 January 2015}}</ref> including Iranian-made 106 mm anti-tank guns as well as 120mm, 82mm and 60mm mortars.<ref>{{cite web|title=BETTER PAY, BETTER WEAPONS: ARE SHIITE MILITIAS GROWING MORE POWERFUL THAN IRAQI ARMY?|url=http://www.preemptivelove.org/better_pay_better_weapons_are_shiite_militias_growing_more_powerful_than_iraqi_army|website=http://www.preemptivelove.org/|publisher=Preemptive Love Coalition|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=31 January 2015}}</ref>

== Major engagements ==
The Popular Mobilization Forces have been involved in several battles of the [[military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] since their founding, the most important being the [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)|Second Battle of Tikrit]].

== War crimes accusations ==
Some of the militias constituting the Popular Mobilization Forces have been accused of war crimes motivated by sectarian revenge reasons: according to Amnesty International, Shiite militias have abducted, tortured and killed several Sunni civilians.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Iraqi volunteers' victories don't justify atrocities|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/contents/articles/originals/2014/12/iraq-popular-mobilization-shiite-achievements-violations.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=22 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Shia militias accused of murder spree|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/humanrights/2014/10/iraq-shia-fighters-guilty-war-crimes-2014101311251478369.html|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=Al-Jazeera|date=14 October 2014}}</ref> Militias commanders strongly denied such accusations. 
Highest Iraqi Shiite authorities, such as Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani or Ayatollah [[Hussein Al-Sadr]], called on the militants in the popular mobilization forces to avoid war crimes or other despicable behaviour<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mamouri|first1=Ali|title=Iraq needs justice, not revenge|url=http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/news/id_10194/Iraq-needs-justice,-not-revenge.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=The Arab American News|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> and inquiry committees have been established in order to find the truth.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraq’s PM Abadi Orders Probe Into Two Civilian Deaths at Anbar Security HQ|url=http://canadaheadline.com/world-news/asia/149-iraq-s-pm-abadi-orders-probe-into-two-civilian-deaths-at-anbar-security-hq|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Canada Headlines|date=13 February 2015}}</ref>

== Related voices ==
* [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)]]
* [[Iraqi insurgency (2011–present)|Iraqi insurgency]]
* [[Iranian intervention in Iraq (2014–present)]].
* [[Private militias in Iraq]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Military units and formations of Iraq]]
[[Category:Paramilitary forces of Iraq]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2014]]
[[Category:2014 establishments|Category:2014 establishments in Iraq]]

Al-Haschd asch-Schaʿbī

2015-03-27T16:35:30Z

Hashima20:

{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name =Popular Mobilization Forces
| native_name =al-Hashd al-Shaabi
| image =Popular Mobilization Forces (Iraq) logo.jpg
| alt =
| caption =Popular Mobilization Forces logo
| dates =15 June 2014 – ''present''<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces? |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-sistani-righteous-jihad-fatwa-popular-mobilization.html#|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref>
| country = {{flag|Iraq|size=23px}}
| countries =
| allegiance = {{flag|Iraq|size=23px}}
| branch =
| type = [[Militia|Government-sanctioned paramilitary]]
| role = Guerilla warfare
| size = 60,000 – 90,000<ref>http://www.niqash.org/articles/?id=3614</ref>
| command_structure =[[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)]]
| garrison =
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| battles = *'''[[Military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]'''
*[[Second Battle of Tikrit (2014–15)|Second Battle of Tikrit]]<ref>http://observers.france24.com/content/20150311-video-shiite-militias-sunni-village-tikrit</ref><ref>http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/13/us-mideast-iraq-idUSKBN0M91DR20150313</ref>
| decorations =
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| current_commander =[[Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis]]
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{{Infobox War Faction
|name=Popular Mobilization Forces (al-Hashd al-Shaabi)
|war=the [[Iraqi insurgency (post-U.S. withdrawal)|Iraqi Insurgency]]
|image=
|caption=
|active=
|leaders=
|clans=
|headquarters=[[Najaf]], [[Baghdad]]
|area=[[Iraq]]
|strength=
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|allies= {{flag|Iran|size=23px}}
|opponents={{flagicon|Islamic State}} [[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria|Islamic State]] {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg|size=23px}} [[Iraqi insurgency (Iraq War)#Sunni Islamist|Sunni Insurgents]]
|battles=
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}}
The '''Popular Mobilization Forces''', also known as the '''Popular Mobilization Committee''' or '''Popular Mobilization Units''' ({{lang-ar|الحشد الشعبي ''al-Hashd al-Shaabi''}} which translates to '''The Popular Crowd'''), is an umbrella organization composed of primarily Shiite militias raised and deployed against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria]] in 2014 alongside [[Iraqi security forces]].

== Formation ==
[[File:Badr Organisation fighters.png|thumb|150px|left|Fighters belonging to [[Badr Organisation]].]]
They were formed after [[Marja']] [[Ali al-Sistani]]'s fatwa on "righteous jihad", first to defend Shiite holy sites and Baghdad, and then to participate to the counter-offensive following the [[Fall of Mosul]] on June 10, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces?|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-sistani-righteous-jihad-fatwa-popular-mobilization.html#|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=AP Interview: Iraq’s al-Maliki denies seeking comeback|url=http://wtop.com/middle-east/2015/02/ap-interview-iraqs-al-maliki-denies-seeking-comeback/|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> The forces brought together a number of Shiite militias, some of which receive direct support from [[Iran]]. Some of the militias constituting the Popular Mobilization Forces are accused of war crimes motivated by sectarian revenge reasons. Although they are predominantly Shiite, there exists a Sunni unit composed of 2,000 members.<ref>http://m.ibtimes.com/islamic-state-iraq-battle-against-isis-tikrit-led-iran-backed-shiite-militia-forces-1835134</ref> The Popular Mobilization Forces were established by the Iraqi government on June 15, 2014, following Ali al Sistani's fatwa issued on June 13, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces?|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> The forces would be to fall under the umbrella of the state’s security services and within the legal frameworks and practices of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of Interior]]. In the course of events, however, some of these groups embarked on a different path, operating independently.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mamouri|first1=Ali|title=Concern in Iraq grows over unregulated Shiite forces|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/02/iraq-popular-mobilization-crimes-government-control.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=al-Monitor.com|date=17 February 2015}}</ref> 
According to some sources, the Popular Mobilization Forces have made a fundamental difference on the battlefield, as they have undermined the superiority of IS at the level of [[guerilla warfare]], as well as at the level of the [[psychological operations]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Iraqi volunteers' victories don't justify atrocities|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/contents/articles/originals/2014/12/iraq-popular-mobilization-shiite-achievements-violations.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=22 December 2014}}</ref>

== Composition and organization ==
[[File:Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq fighters.png|thumb|150px|left|Fighters belonging to [[Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq]].]]
[[File:Kata'ib Hezbollah in Iraq.jpeg|thumb|150px|left|Fighters belonging to the [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]].]]
While there are no official data about the strength of the Popular Mobilization Forces, there are some estimates, differing significantly; around Tikrit are believed to be about 20,000 engaged militiamen, while the grand total total ranges from 60,000-90,000<ref>http://www.niqash.org/articles/?id=3614</ref> to 100,000-120,000 armed men,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sly|first1=Liz|title=Pro-Iran militias’ success in Iraq could undermine U.S.|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iraqs-pro-iranian-shiite-militias-lead-the-war-against-the-islamic-state/2015/02/15/5bbb1cf0-ac94-11e4-8876-460b1144cbc1_story.html|accessdate=22 March 2015|work=The Washington Post|date=15 February 2015}}</ref> including from 1,000 to 3,000 Sunni fighters.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wright|first1=Robin|title=In War Against ISIS, Numbers Don’t Always Tell the Story|url=http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2015/03/13/in-war-against-isis-numbers-dont-always-tell-the-story/|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=13 March 2015}}</ref> 
The Popular Mobilization Forces consist of both new volunteers and pre-existing militias, which have been grouped within the umbrella organization formally under the control of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of Interior]] Popular Mobilization Units directorate.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ali|first1=Ahmed|title=Iraq’s Prime Minister Reshuffles the Security Commanders|url=http://iswiraq.blogspot.it/2014/11/iraqs-prime-minister-reshuffles.html|website=Institute for the Study of War|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=14 November 2014}}</ref> Among these militias there are the [[Peace Brigades (Iraq)|Peace Brigades]], formerly known as the [[Mahdi Army]], which is affiliated with Shiite cleric [[Muqtada al-Sadr]], [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]], Jund al-Imam, [[Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada]], [[Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq]] and the [[Badr Organization]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Popular Forces Warn to Disclose Coalition’s Support for ISIL|url=http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2015/03/01/iraqi-popular-forces-warn-to-disclose-coalitions-support-for-isil/|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Islamic Invitation Turkey|date=1 March 2015}}</ref> 
The Popular Mobilization Forces are allegedly led by Jamal Jaafar Mohammed, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, head of the Kata'ib Hezbollah [[Special Groups (Iraq)|Special Groups]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Badran|first1=Tony|title=Exporting the Islamic Revolution|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/commentary/564933-exporting-the-islamic-revolution|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=NOW.|date=6 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashem|first1=Ali|title=Iraqi town celebrates victory over Islamic State|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/01/islamic-state-loses-dhuluiya.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=2 January 2015}}</ref> and the chain of command runs through pre-existing leaders:<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sly|first1=Liz|title=Iraq's pro-Iranian Shiite militias lead the war against the Islamic State|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/iraq-s-pro-iranian-shiite-militias-lead-the-war-against-the-islamic-state-1.329733|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Star and Stripes|date=16 February 2015}}</ref> according to Iraqi sources, the different militias rely on their own chain of command, and rarely work together.<ref>{{cite web|title=better pay, better weapons: are shiite militias growing more powerful than iraqi army?|url=http://www.niqash.org/articles/?id=3614&lang=en|website=http://www.niqash.org/|publisher=Niqash.org|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=31 January 2015}}</ref> Alongside Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, other two people are in charge of the al-Hashd al-Shaabi: Qais al-Khazali, commander of Asa’ib Ahl Al Haq. and [[Hadi Al-Amiri]], the chief of the [[Badr Organization]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grappo|first1=Gary|title=Iran’s Strategic Victory: Hezbollah-ized Iraq|url=http://thedailyjournalist.com/the-strategist/irans-strategic-victory-hezbollah-ized-iraq/|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=The Daily Journalist|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> Such organizational features are deemed to prevent the consolidation of Prime Minister al-Abadi's power.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barnard|first1=Anne|title=A Balancing Act as Iraq Claims Gains in Tikrit|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/13/world/middleeast/tikrit-isis-iraq.html|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=The New York Times|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> The militias are trained and supported by military advisors coming from both Iran and [[Hezbollah]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Iran’s Influence Grows In Iraq (Daniel 8)|url=https://andrewtheprophet.wordpress.com/2015/03/14/irans-influence-grows-in-iraq-daniel-8/|website=Andrew The Prophet|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=14 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashem|first1=Ali|title=Iraq’s Shiite forces claim victory over IS|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-shiite-hezbollah-nujaba-victory-islamic-state.html|accessdate=20 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=16 March 2015}}</ref> including prominent [[Quds Force]] figures such as [[Qasem Soleimani]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Analysis 03-06-2015|url=http://thinktankmonitor.org/analysis-03-06-2015/|website=Center for American and Arab Studies|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=7 March 2015}}</ref> 
The al-Hashd al-Shaabi appear to deploy at least a [[Regiment]] under the command of [[Colonel]] Juma al-Jumaili in [[Al-Anbar province]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi forces retake region, police station in Anbar|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/News/113939.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Iran Daily|date=15 March 2015}}</ref> They are also said to have a their own military intelligence as well as administrative systems.

== Equipment ==
The equipment of the Popular Mobilization Forces is a major issue. At the end of January 2015, a video<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItK0Jb88quw|title=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItK0Jb88quw}}</ref> showed a large [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]] convoy transporting several American-made military vehicles, including an [[M1 Abrams Tank]], [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 armoured personnel carriers]], [[Humvee]]s, and [[MRAP]] vehicles as well as Iranian-made [[Safir (vehicle)|Safir 4x4]]s and technicals with Kata’ib Hezbollah’s flags flying.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roggio|first1=Bill|last2=Weiss|first2=Caleb|title=Video shows Hezbollah Brigades convoy transporting American M1 tank|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/01/hezbollah_brigades_c.php|website=The Long War Journal|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=28 January 2015}}</ref> According to some sources, the Iraqi government is supplying U.S.-provided military equipment to the militias.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rogin|first1=Josh|last2=Lake|first2=Eli|title=Iran-Backed Militias Are Getting U.S. Weapons|url=http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-01-08/iranbacked-militias-are-getting-us-weapons-in-iraq|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Bloomberg View}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Armed with U.S. weapons, infamous militia beating ISIS|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/armed-with-u-s-weapons-ruthless-militia-beating-isis-in-iraq/|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> Iraqi minister of transportation, and the head of the Badr Organization, Hadi Al-Amiri criticized the U.S. for the lack of providing arms.<ref>{{cite news|title="Those Kissed US Hands, Didn't Get Anything": Iraq Shiite Commander|url=http://en.alalam.ir/news/1685165|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Alalam|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> 
Alongside U.S.-made military equipment handed over to or fallen into the hands of Popular Mobilization Forces, Iran is a major supplier; according to some sources in 2014 Tehran sold Baghdad nearly $10 billion worth of weapons and hardware. Furthermore, there is a daily supply of Iranian weapons,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hemdawi|first1=Hamza|last2=Abdul-Zahra|first2=Qassim|title=Iran eclipses U.S. as Iraq's ally in fight against militants|url=http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/01/12/iran-iraq-militants/21623533/|accessdate=20 March 2015|work=MilitaryTimes|date=12 January 2015}}</ref> including Iranian-made 106 mm anti-tank guns as well as 120mm, 82mm and 60mm mortars.<ref>{{cite web|title=BETTER PAY, BETTER WEAPONS: ARE SHIITE MILITIAS GROWING MORE POWERFUL THAN IRAQI ARMY?|url=http://www.preemptivelove.org/better_pay_better_weapons_are_shiite_militias_growing_more_powerful_than_iraqi_army|website=http://www.preemptivelove.org/|publisher=Preemptive Love Coalition|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=31 January 2015}}</ref>

== Major engagements ==
The Popular Mobilization Forces have been involved in several battles of the [[military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] since their founding, the most important being the [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)|Second Battle of Tikrit]].

== War crimes accusations ==
Some of the militias constituting the Popular Mobilization Forces have been accused of war crimes motivated by sectarian revenge reasons: according to Amnesty International, Shiite militias have abducted, tortured and killed several Sunni civilians.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Iraqi volunteers' victories don't justify atrocities|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/contents/articles/originals/2014/12/iraq-popular-mobilization-shiite-achievements-violations.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=22 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Shia militias accused of murder spree|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/humanrights/2014/10/iraq-shia-fighters-guilty-war-crimes-2014101311251478369.html|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=Al-Jazeera|date=14 October 2014}}</ref> Militias commanders strongly denied such accusations. 
Highest Iraqi Shiite authorities, such as Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani or Ayatollah [[Hussein Al-Sadr]], called on the militants in the popular mobilization forces to avoid war crimes or other despicable behaviour<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mamouri|first1=Ali|title=Iraq needs justice, not revenge|url=http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/news/id_10194/Iraq-needs-justice,-not-revenge.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=The Arab American News|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> and inquiry committees have been established in order to find the truth.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraq’s PM Abadi Orders Probe Into Two Civilian Deaths at Anbar Security HQ|url=http://canadaheadline.com/world-news/asia/149-iraq-s-pm-abadi-orders-probe-into-two-civilian-deaths-at-anbar-security-hq|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Canada Headlines|date=13 February 2015}}</ref>

== Related voices ==
* [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)]]
* [[Iraqi insurgency (2011–present)|Iraqi insurgency]]
* [[Iranian intervention in Iraq (2014–present)]].
* [[Private militias in Iraq]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Military units and formations of Iraq]]
[[Category:Paramilitary forces of Iraq]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2014]]
[[Category:2014 establishments|Category:2014 establishments in Iraq]]

Al-Haschd asch-Schaʿbī

2015-03-27T13:02:45Z

Hashima20: Added tags to the page using Page Curation (lead too long, cleanup-reorganise)

{{Multiple issues|{{lead too long|date=March 2015}}{{cleanup-reorganise|date=March 2015}}}}

{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name =Popular Mobilization Forces
| native_name =al-Hashd al-Shaabi
| image =File:Ministry of the Interior logo (Iraq).jpg
| alt =
| caption =Ministry of the Interior logo
| dates =15 June 2014-present<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces? |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-sistani-righteous-jihad-fatwa-popular-mobilization.html#|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref>
| country = {{flag|Iraq|size=23px}}
| countries =
| allegiance = {{flag|Iraq|size=23px}}
| branch =
| type = [[Militia|Government-sanctioned paramilitary]]
| role =Guerilla warfare
| size = 60,000 – 90,000<ref>http://www.niqash.org/articles/?id=3614</ref>
| command_structure =[[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)]]
| garrison =
| garrison_label =
| nickname =
| patron =
| motto =
| colors =
| colors_label =
| march =
| mascot =
| anniversaries =
| equipment =
| equipment_label =
| battles =*'''[[Military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]'''
*[[Second Battle of Tikrit (2014–15)|Second Battle of Tikrit]]<ref>http://observers.france24.com/content/20150311-video-shiite-militias-sunni-village-tikrit</ref><ref>http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/13/us-mideast-iraq-idUSKBN0M91DR20150313</ref>
| decorations =
| battle_honours =
| battle_honours_label =
| disbanded =
| flying_hours =
| website =

| current_commander =[[Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis]]
| commander1 =
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}}
[[File:Badr Organisation fighters.png|thumb|150px|left|Fighters belonging to [[Badr Organisation]].]]
{{Infobox War Faction
|name=Popular Mobilization Forces (al-Hashd al-Shaabi)
|war=the [[Iraqi insurgency (post-U.S. withdrawal)|Iraqi Insurgency]]
|image=
|caption=
|active=
|leaders=
|clans=
|headquarters=[[Najaf]], [[Baghdad]]
|area=[[Iraq]]
|strength=
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|religious ideology=
|allies= {{flag|Iran|size=23px}}
|opponents={{flagicon image|Flag of Islamic State of Iraq.svg|size=23px}} [[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria|Islamic State]] {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg|size=23px}} [[Iraqi insurgency (Iraq War)#Sunni Islamist|Sunni Insurgents]]
|battles=
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}}
The '''Popular Mobilization Forces''', also known as the '''Popular Mobilization Committee''' or '''Popular Mobilization Units''' ({{lang-ar|الحشد الشعبي ''al-Hashd al-Shaabi''}} which translates to '''The Popular Crowd'''), is an umbrella organization composed of primarily Shiite militias raised and deployed against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria]] in 2015 alongside [[Iraqi security forces]]. They were formed after [[Marja']] [[Ali al-Sistani]]'s fatwa on "righteous jihad", first to defend Shiite holy sites and Baghdad, and then to participate to the counter-offensive following the [[Fall of Mosul]] on June 10, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces?|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-sistani-righteous-jihad-fatwa-popular-mobilization.html#|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=AP Interview: Iraq’s al-Maliki denies seeking comeback|url=http://wtop.com/middle-east/2015/02/ap-interview-iraqs-al-maliki-denies-seeking-comeback/|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> The forces brought together a number of Shiite militias, some of which receive direct support from [[Iran]]. Some of the militias constituting the Popular Mobilization Forces are accused of war crimes motivated by sectarian revenge reasons. Although they are predominantly Shiite, there exists a Sunni unit composed of 2,000 members.<ref>http://m.ibtimes.com/islamic-state-iraq-battle-against-isis-tikrit-led-iran-backed-shiite-militia-forces-1835134</ref> The Popular Mobilization Forces were established by the Iraqi government on June 15, 2014, following Ali al Sistani's fatwa issued on June 13, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces?|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> The forces would be to fall under the umbrella of the state’s security services and within the legal frameworks and practices of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of Interior]]. In the course of events, however, some of these groups embarked on a different path, operating independently.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mamouri|first1=Ali|title=Concern in Iraq grows over unregulated Shiite forces|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/02/iraq-popular-mobilization-crimes-government-control.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=al-Monitor.com|date=17 February 2015}}</ref> 
According to some sources, the Popular Mobilization Forces have made a fundamental difference on the battlefield, as they have undermined the superiority of IS at the level of [[guerilla warfare]], as well as at the level of the [[psychological operations]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Iraqi volunteers' victories don't justify atrocities|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/contents/articles/originals/2014/12/iraq-popular-mobilization-shiite-achievements-violations.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=22 December 2014}}</ref>

== Composition and organization ==
[[File:Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq fighters.png|thumb|150px|left|Fighters belonging to [[Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq]].]]
[[File:Kata'ib Hezbollah in Iraq.jpeg|thumb|150px|left|Fighters belonging to the [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]].]]
While there are no official data about the strength of the Popular Mobilization Forces, there are some estimates, differing significantly; around Tikrit are believed to be about 20,000 engaged militiamen, while the grand total total ranges from 60,000-90,000<ref>http://www.niqash.org/articles/?id=3614</ref> to 100,000-120,000 armed men,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sly|first1=Liz|title=Pro-Iran militias’ success in Iraq could undermine U.S.|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iraqs-pro-iranian-shiite-militias-lead-the-war-against-the-islamic-state/2015/02/15/5bbb1cf0-ac94-11e4-8876-460b1144cbc1_story.html|accessdate=22 March 2015|work=The Washington Post|date=15 February 2015}}</ref> including from 1,000 to 3,000 Sunni fighters.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wright|first1=Robin|title=In War Against ISIS, Numbers Don’t Always Tell the Story|url=http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2015/03/13/in-war-against-isis-numbers-dont-always-tell-the-story/|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=13 March 2015}}</ref> 
The Popular Mobilization Forces consist of both new volunteers and pre-existing militias, which have been grouped within the umbrella organization formally under the control of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of Interior]] Popular Mobilization Units directorate.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ali|first1=Ahmed|title=Iraq’s Prime Minister Reshuffles the Security Commanders|url=http://iswiraq.blogspot.it/2014/11/iraqs-prime-minister-reshuffles.html|website=Institute for the Study of War|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=14 November 2014}}</ref> Among these militias there are the [[Peace Brigades (Iraq)|Peace Brigades]], formerly known as the [[Mahdi Army]], which is affiliated with Shiite cleric [[Muqtada al-Sadr]], [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]], Jund al-Imam, [[Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada]], [[Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq]] and the [[Badr Organization]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Popular Forces Warn to Disclose Coalition’s Support for ISIL|url=http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2015/03/01/iraqi-popular-forces-warn-to-disclose-coalitions-support-for-isil/|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Islamic Invitation Turkey|date=1 March 2015}}</ref> 
The Popular Mobilization Forces are allegedly led by Jamal Jaafar Mohammed, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, head of the Kata'ib Hezbollah [[Special Groups (Iraq)|Special Groups]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Badran|first1=Tony|title=Exporting the Islamic Revolution|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/commentary/564933-exporting-the-islamic-revolution|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=NOW.|date=6 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashem|first1=Ali|title=Iraqi town celebrates victory over Islamic State|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/01/islamic-state-loses-dhuluiya.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=2 January 2015}}</ref> and the chain of command runs through pre-existing leaders:<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sly|first1=Liz|title=Iraq's pro-Iranian Shiite militias lead the war against the Islamic State|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/iraq-s-pro-iranian-shiite-militias-lead-the-war-against-the-islamic-state-1.329733|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Star and Stripes|date=16 February 2015}}</ref> according to Iraqi sources, the different militias rely on their own chain of command, and rarely work together.<ref>{{cite web|title=better pay, better weapons: are shiite militias growing more powerful than iraqi army?|url=http://www.niqash.org/articles/?id=3614&lang=en|website=http://www.niqash.org/|publisher=Niqash.org|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=31 January 2015}}</ref> Alongside Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, other two people are in charge of the al-Hashd al-Shaabi: Qais al-Khazali, commander of Asa’ib Ahl Al Haq. and [[Hadi Al-Amiri]], the chief of the [[Badr Organization]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grappo|first1=Gary|title=Iran’s Strategic Victory: Hezbollah-ized Iraq|url=http://thedailyjournalist.com/the-strategist/irans-strategic-victory-hezbollah-ized-iraq/|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=The Daily Journalist|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> Such organizational features are deemed to prevent the consolidation of Prime Minister al-Abadi's power.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barnard|first1=Anne|title=A Balancing Act as Iraq Claims Gains in Tikrit|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/13/world/middleeast/tikrit-isis-iraq.html|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=The New York Times|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> The militias are trained and supported by military advisors coming from both Iran and [[Hezbollah]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Iran’s Influence Grows In Iraq (Daniel 8)|url=https://andrewtheprophet.wordpress.com/2015/03/14/irans-influence-grows-in-iraq-daniel-8/|website=Andrew The Prophet|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=14 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashem|first1=Ali|title=Iraq’s Shiite forces claim victory over IS|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-shiite-hezbollah-nujaba-victory-islamic-state.html|accessdate=20 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=16 March 2015}}</ref> including prominent [[Quds Force]] figures such as [[Qasem Soleimani]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Analysis 03-06-2015|url=http://thinktankmonitor.org/analysis-03-06-2015/|website=Center for American and Arab Studies|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=7 March 2015}}</ref> 
The al-Hashd al-Shaabi appear to deploy at least a [[Regiment]] under the command of [[Colonel]] Juma al-Jumaili in [[Al-Anbar province]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi forces retake region, police station in Anbar|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/News/113939.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Iran Daily|date=15 March 2015}}</ref> They are also said to have a their own military intelligence as well as administrative systems.

== Equipment ==
The equipment of the Popular Mobilization Forces is a major issue. At the end of January 2015, a video<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItK0Jb88quw|title=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItK0Jb88quw}}</ref> showed a large [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]] convoy transporting several American-made military vehicles, including an [[M1 Abrams Tank]], [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 armoured personnel carriers]], [[Humvee]]s, and [[MRAP]] vehicles as well as Iranian-made [[Safir (vehicle)|Safir 4x4]]s and technicals with Kata’ib Hezbollah’s flags flying.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roggio|first1=Bill|last2=Weiss|first2=Caleb|title=Video shows Hezbollah Brigades convoy transporting American M1 tank|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/01/hezbollah_brigades_c.php|website=The Long War Journal|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=28 January 2015}}</ref> According to some sources, the Iraqi government is supplying U.S.-provided military equipment to the militias.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rogin|first1=Josh|last2=Lake|first2=Eli|title=Iran-Backed Militias Are Getting U.S. Weapons|url=http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-01-08/iranbacked-militias-are-getting-us-weapons-in-iraq|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Bloomberg View}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Armed with U.S. weapons, infamous militia beating ISIS|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/armed-with-u-s-weapons-ruthless-militia-beating-isis-in-iraq/|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> Iraqi minister of transportation, and the head of the Badr Organization, Hadi Al-Amiri criticized the U.S. for the lack of providing arms.<ref>{{cite news|title="Those Kissed US Hands, Didn't Get Anything": Iraq Shiite Commander|url=http://en.alalam.ir/news/1685165|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Alalam|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> 
Alongside U.S.-made military equipment handed over to or fallen into the hands of Popular Mobilization Forces, Iran is a major supplier; according to some sources in 2014 Tehran sold Baghdad nearly $10 billion worth of weapons and hardware. Furthermore, there is a daily supply of Iranian weapons,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hemdawi|first1=Hamza|last2=Abdul-Zahra|first2=Qassim|title=Iran eclipses U.S. as Iraq's ally in fight against militants|url=http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/01/12/iran-iraq-militants/21623533/|accessdate=20 March 2015|work=MilitaryTimes|date=12 January 2015}}</ref> including Iranian-made 106 mm anti-tank guns as well as 120mm, 82mm and 60mm mortars.<ref>{{cite web|title=BETTER PAY, BETTER WEAPONS: ARE SHIITE MILITIAS GROWING MORE POWERFUL THAN IRAQI ARMY?|url=http://www.preemptivelove.org/better_pay_better_weapons_are_shiite_militias_growing_more_powerful_than_iraqi_army|website=http://www.preemptivelove.org/|publisher=Preemptive Love Coalition|accessdate=23 March 2015|date=31 January 2015}}</ref>

== Major engagements ==
The Popular Mobilization Forces have been involved in several battles of the [[military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] since their founding, the most important being the [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)|Second Battle of Tikrit]].

== War crimes accusations ==
Some of the militias constituting the Popular Mobilization Forces have been accused of war crimes motivated by sectarian revenge reasons: according to Amnesty International, Shiite militias have abducted, tortured and killed several Sunni civilians.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Iraqi volunteers' victories don't justify atrocities|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/contents/articles/originals/2014/12/iraq-popular-mobilization-shiite-achievements-violations.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=22 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Shia militias accused of murder spree|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/humanrights/2014/10/iraq-shia-fighters-guilty-war-crimes-2014101311251478369.html|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=Al-Jazeera|date=14 October 2014}}</ref> Militias commanders strongly denied such accusations. 
Highest Iraqi Shiite authorities, such as Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani or Ayatollah [[Hussein Al-Sadr]], called on the militants in the popular mobilization forces to avoid war crimes or other despicable behaviour<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mamouri|first1=Ali|title=Iraq needs justice, not revenge|url=http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/news/id_10194/Iraq-needs-justice,-not-revenge.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=The Arab American News|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> and inquiry committees have been established in order to find the truth.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraq’s PM Abadi Orders Probe Into Two Civilian Deaths at Anbar Security HQ|url=http://canadaheadline.com/world-news/asia/149-iraq-s-pm-abadi-orders-probe-into-two-civilian-deaths-at-anbar-security-hq|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Canada Headlines|date=13 February 2015}}</ref>

== Related voices ==
* [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)]]
* [[Iraqi insurgency (2011–present)|Iraqi insurgency]]
* [[Iranian intervention in Iraq (2014–present)]].
* [[Private militias in Iraq]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Military units and formations of Iraq]]
[[Category:Paramilitary forces of Iraq]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2014]]
[[Category:2014 establishments|Category:2014 establishments in Iraq]]

Al-Haschd asch-Schaʿbī

2015-03-19T19:41:58Z

Hashima20: Added tags to the page using Page Curation (lead too long)

{{lead too long|date=March 2015}}

{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name =Popular Mobilization Forces
| native_name =al-Hashd al-Shaabi
| image =File:Ministry of the Interior logo (Iraq).jpg
| alt =
| caption =Ministry of the Interior logo
| dates =15 June 2014-present<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces? |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-sistani-righteous-jihad-fatwa-popular-mobilization.html#|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref>
| country = {{flag|Iraq|size=23px}}
| countries =
| allegiance = {{flag|Iraq|size=23px}}
| branch =
| type =Militia
| role =Guerilla warfare
| size =20,000<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraq militia leader hails Iran's 'unconditional' support|url=http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20150313/AP01/303139975/-1/LIVING|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=News Sentinel|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> - 30,000
| command_structure =[[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)]]
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| nickname =
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| colors =
| colors_label =
| march =
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| battles =*'''[[Military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]'''
*[[Second Battle of Tikrit (2014–15)|Second Battle of Tikrit]]<ref>http://observers.france24.com/content/20150311-video-shiite-militias-sunni-village-tikrit</ref><ref>http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/13/us-mideast-iraq-idUSKBN0M91DR20150313</ref>
| decorations =
| battle_honours =
| battle_honours_label =
| disbanded =
| flying_hours =
| website =

| current_commander =[[Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis]]
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| aircraft_attack =
| aircraft_bomber =
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| aircraft_helicopter_cargo =
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| aircraft_helicopter_observation =
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| aircraft_general =
}}
[[File:Badr Organisation fighters.png|thumb|150px|left|Fighters belonging to [[Badr Organisation]].]]
{{Infobox War Faction
|name=Popular Mobilization Forces (al-Hashd al-Shaabi)
|war=the [[Iraqi insurgency (post-U.S. withdrawal)|Iraqi Insurgency]]
|image=
|caption=
|active=
|leaders=
|clans=
|headquarters=[[Najaf]], [[Baghdad]]
|area=[[Iraq]]
|strength=
|status=
|partof=
|previous=
|next=
|religious ideology=
|allies= {{flag|Iran|size=23px}}
|opponents={{flagicon image|Flag of Islamic State of Iraq.svg|size=23px}} [[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria|Islamic State]] {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg|size=23px}} [[Iraqi insurgency (Iraq War)#Sunni Islamist|Sunni Insurgents]]
|battles=
|Members killed=
}}
The '''Popular Mobilization Forces''', also known as the '''Popular Mobilization Committee''' or '''Popular Mobilization Units''' ({{lang-ar|الحشد الشعبي ''al-Hashd al-Shaabi''}} which means '''The Public Crowd'''), are several mostly-Shiite militias raised and deployed against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria]] in 2014 and 2015 alongside the [[Iraqi Army]] and the other [[Iraqi security forces]]. They were formed formed following the [[fall of Mosul]] on June 10, 2014, following [[Marja']] [[Ali al-Sistani]]'s fatwa on «righteous jihad» , first to defend Shiite holy sites and Baghdad, and then to participate to the counter-offensive.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces?|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-sistani-righteous-jihad-fatwa-popular-mobilization.html#|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=AP Interview: Iraq’s al-Maliki denies seeking comeback|url=http://wtop.com/middle-east/2015/02/ap-interview-iraqs-al-maliki-denies-seeking-comeback/|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> The forces brought together a number of Shiite militias, some of which receive direct support from [[Iran]]. Some of the militias constituting the Popular Mobilization Forces are accused of war crimes motivated by sectarian revenge reasons. Although they are predominantly Shiite, there are also Sunni and Christian units. The Popular Mobilization Forces were established by the Iraqi government on June 15, 2014, following Ali al Sistani's fatwa issued on June 13, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Will Sistani be able to control popular mobilization forces?|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=Al-Monitor|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> The forces would be to fall under the umbrella of the state’s security services and within the legal frameworks and practices of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of Interior]]. In the course of events, however, some of these groups embarked on a different path, operating independently.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mamouri|first1=Ali|title=Concern in Iraq grows over unregulated Shiite forces|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/02/iraq-popular-mobilization-crimes-government-control.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=al-Monitor.com|date=17 February 2015}}</ref> 
According to some sources, the Popular Mobilization Forces have made a fundamental difference on the battlefield, as they have undermined the superiority of IS at the level of [[guerilla warfare]], as well as at the level of the [[psychological operations]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Iraqi volunteers' victories don't justify atrocities|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/contents/articles/originals/2014/12/iraq-popular-mobilization-shiite-achievements-violations.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=22 December 2014}}</ref> 
The equipment of the Popular Mobilization Forces is a major issue. At the end of January 2015, a video<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItK0Jb88quw|title=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItK0Jb88quw}}</ref> showed a large [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]] convoy transporting several American-made military vehicles, including an [[M1 Abrams Tank]], [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 armoured personnel carriers]], [[Humvee]]s, and [[MRAP]] vehicles as well as Iranian-made [[Safir (vehicle)|Safir 4x4]]s and technicals with Kata’ib Hezbollah’s flags flying.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roggio|first1=Bill|last2=Weiss|first2=Caleb|title=Video shows Hezbollah Brigades convoy transporting American M1 tank|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/01/hezbollah_brigades_c.php|website=The Long War Journal|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=28 January 2015}}</ref> According to some sources, the Iraqi government is supplying U.S.-provided military equipment to the militias.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rogin|first1=Josh|last2=Lake|first2=Eli|title=Iran-Backed Militias Are Getting U.S. Weapons|url=http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-01-08/iranbacked-militias-are-getting-us-weapons-in-iraq|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Bloomberg View}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Armed with U.S. weapons, infamous militia beating ISIS|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/armed-with-u-s-weapons-ruthless-militia-beating-isis-in-iraq/|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> Iraqi minister of transportation, and the head of the Badr Organization, Hadi Al-Amiri criticized the U.S. for the lack of providing arms.<ref>{{cite news|title="Those Kissed US Hands, Didn't Get Anything": Iraq Shiite Commander|url=http://en.alalam.ir/news/1685165|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Alalam|date=14 March 2015}}</ref>

== Composition and organization ==
[[File:Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq fighters.png|thumb|150px|left|Fighters belonging to [[Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq]].]]
[[File:Kata'ib Hezbollah in Iraq.jpeg|thumb|150px|left|Fighters belonging to the [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]].]]
The Popular Mobilization Forces consist of both new volunteers and pre-existing militias, which have been grouped within the umbrella organization formally under the control of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of Interior]] Popular Mobilization Units directorate.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ali|first1=Ahmed|title=Iraq’s Prime Minister Reshuffles the Security Commanders|url=http://iswiraq.blogspot.it/2014/11/iraqs-prime-minister-reshuffles.html|website=Institute for the Study of War|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=14 November 2014}}</ref> Among these militias there are the [[Peace Brigades (Iraq)|Peace Brigades]], formerly known as the [[Mahdi Army]], which is affiliated with Shiite cleric [[Muqtada al-Sadr]], [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]], Jund al-Imam, [[Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq]] and the [[Badr Organization]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Popular Forces Warn to Disclose Coalition’s Support for ISIL|url=http://www.islamicinvitationturkey.com/2015/03/01/iraqi-popular-forces-warn-to-disclose-coalitions-support-for-isil/|accessdate=17 March 2015|work=Islamic Invitation Turkey|date=1 March 2015}}</ref> 
The Popular Mobilization Forces are allegedly led by Jamal Jaafar Mohammed, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, head of the Kata'ib Hezbollah [[Special Groups (Iraq)|Special Groups]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Badran|first1=Tony|title=Exporting the Islamic Revolution|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/commentary/564933-exporting-the-islamic-revolution|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=NOW.|date=6 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashem|first1=Ali|title=Iraqi town celebrates victory over Islamic State|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/01/islamic-state-loses-dhuluiya.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=2 January 2015}}</ref> and the chain of command runs through pre-existing leaders.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sly|first1=Liz|title=Iraq's pro-Iranian Shiite militias lead the war against the Islamic State|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/iraq-s-pro-iranian-shiite-militias-lead-the-war-against-the-islamic-state-1.329733|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Star and Stripes|date=16 February 2015}}</ref> Alongside Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, other two people are in charge of the al-Hashd al-Shaabi: Qais al-Khazali, commander of Asa’ib Ahl Al Haq. and [[Hadi Al-Amiri]], the chief of the [[Badr Organization]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grappo|first1=Gary|title=Iran’s Strategic Victory: Hezbollah-ized Iraq|url=http://thedailyjournalist.com/the-strategist/irans-strategic-victory-hezbollah-ized-iraq/|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=The Daily Journalist|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> Such organizational features are deemed to prevent the consolidation of Prime Minister al-Abadi's power.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barnard|first1=Anne|title=A Balancing Act as Iraq Claims Gains in Tikrit|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/13/world/middleeast/tikrit-isis-iraq.html|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=The New York Times|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> The militias are trained by Iranian military advisors,<ref>{{cite web|title=Iran’s Influence Grows In Iraq (Daniel 8)|url=https://andrewtheprophet.wordpress.com/2015/03/14/irans-influence-grows-in-iraq-daniel-8/|website=Andrew The Prophet|accessdate=15 March 2015|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> including prominent [[Quds Force]] figures such as [[Qasem Soleimani]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Analysis 03-06-2015|url=http://thinktankmonitor.org/analysis-03-06-2015/|website=Center for American and Arab Studies|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=7 March 2015}}</ref> 
The al-Hashd al-Shaabi appear to deploy at least a [[Regiment]] under the command of [[Colonel]] Juma al-Jumaili in [[Al-Anbar province]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi forces retake region, police station in Anbar|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/News/113939.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Iran Daily|date=15 March 2015}}</ref>

== Major engagements ==
The Popular Mobilization Forces have been involved in several battles of the [[military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] since their founding, the most important being:
* [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)]]
* [[Dhuluiya offensive]]
* [[Siege of Amirli]]
* [[Battle of Baiji]]

== War crimes accusations ==
Some of the militias constituting the Popular Mobilization Forces have been accused of war crimes motivated by sectarian revenge reasons: according to Amnesty International, Shiite militias have abducted, tortured and killed several Sunni civilians.<ref>{{cite news|last1=al-Khadimi|first1=Mustafa|title=Iraqi volunteers' victories don't justify atrocities|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/contents/articles/originals/2014/12/iraq-popular-mobilization-shiite-achievements-violations.html|accessdate=14 March 2015|work=al-Monitor|date=22 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Iraqi Shia militias accused of murder spree|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/humanrights/2014/10/iraq-shia-fighters-guilty-war-crimes-2014101311251478369.html|accessdate=16 March 2015|work=Al-Jazeera|date=14 October 2014}}</ref> Militias commanders strongly denied such accusations. 
Highest Iraqi Shiite authorities, such as Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani or Ayatollah [[Hussein Al-Sadr]], called on the militants in the popular mobilization forces to avoid war crimes or other despicable behaviour<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mamouri|first1=Ali|title=Iraq needs justice, not revenge|url=http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/news/id_10194/Iraq-needs-justice,-not-revenge.html|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=The Arab American News|date=12 March 2015}}</ref> and inquiry committees have been established in order to find the truth.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraq’s PM Abadi Orders Probe Into Two Civilian Deaths at Anbar Security HQ|url=http://canadaheadline.com/world-news/asia/149-iraq-s-pm-abadi-orders-probe-into-two-civilian-deaths-at-anbar-security-hq|accessdate=15 March 2015|work=Canada Headlines|date=13 February 2015}}</ref>

== Related voices ==
* [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March 2015)]]
* [[Iraqi insurgency (2011–present)|Iraqi insurgency]]
* [[Iranian intervention in Iraq (2014–present)]].
* [[Private militias in Iraq]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Military units and formations of Iraq]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2014]]
[[Category:2014 establishments|Category:2014 establishments in Iraq]]

Irakischer Aufstand 1920

2014-08-11T19:28:54Z

Hashima20: Hashima20 moved page Iraqi revolt against the British to Great Iraqi Revolution 1920: The years has to be mentioned, also the title doesn't have to specific on who the revolt was against. This title is also more familiar to most of the Iraqi pe...

{{Infobox military conflict
|conflict=Great Iraqi Revolution of 1920
|partof=
|image=
|caption=
|date=May – October 1920
|place=[[Occupied Enemy Territory Administration]]
|casus=
|territory=
|result=
British victory 
*Greater autonomy given to Iraq
*[[Faisal I of Iraq|Faysal ibn Husayn]] installed as King
|combatant1={{flag|United Kingdom}}
*{{flag|British India}}
|combatant2={{flagicon image|Flag_of_Hejaz_1917.svg}} Iraqi rebels
* Shia tribesmen
* Sunni tribesmen
|commander1={{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Arnold Wilson|Sir Arnold Wilson]]
|commander2=[[Mehdi Al-Khalissi]] [[Muhammad Hasan Abi al-Mahasin]]
|strength1=120,000 men<ref name="airpower"/> (later reinforced with an additional 15,414 men)<ref name="airpower">Lieutenant Colonel David J. Dean: [http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/aureview/1983/jul-aug/dean.html ''Air Power in Small Wars - the British air control experience''], Air University Review (Air & Space Power Journal), July–August 1983. Retrieved 16.05.2012.</ref> 63 aircraft<ref name="airpower"/>
|strength2=131,000<ref>Ibrahim Al-Marashi, Sammy Salama: ''Iraq's Armed Forces: An Analytical History'', Routledge, 2008, ISBN 0415400783, [http://books.google.com/books?id=xUKNV6gFKucC&pg=PA15&dq=iraqi+revolt+1920+men&hl=de&sa=X&ei=1tmiT6GBC9KGswbY5_TBDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=%22the%20rebellion%20mobilized%20close%20to%22&f=false page 15].</ref>
|casualties1=400 killed<ref name=tauber/> 600 missing<ref name=tauber/> 1,100-1,800 wounded<ref name=tauber/> 11 aircraft destroyed<ref name="guardian"/>
|casualties2=6,000<ref name="tripp43"/>-10,000 killed<ref name="guardian"/><ref name="wwi.lib.byu.edu">[http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/A_Report_on_Mesopotamia_by_T.E._Lawrence A Report on Mesopotamia by T.E. Lawrence] The Sunday Times, 22 August 1920</ref>
|casualties3=2,050-4,000 killed;<ref name=tauber/> 4,800-6,150 wounded<ref name=tauber>[http://books.google.co.il/books?id=UbbcmFrdRRsC&pg=PA208&dq=%22Battle+of+Maysalun%22&hl=de&sa=X&ei=JYjAT56DC-eO0AWx5YDECg&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=killed&f=false Tauber E. ''The Formation of Modern Syria and Iraq''. P.312-314]</ref>
}}
The '''Iraqi revolt against the British''', also known as the '''1920 Iraqi Revolt''' or '''Great Iraqi Revolution''', started in [[Baghdad]] in the summer of 1920 with mass demonstrations by [[Iraqi people|Iraqis]], including protests by embittered officers from the old [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] army, against the [[British occupation of Iraq]]. The revolt gained momentum when it spread to the largely tribal Shia regions of the middle and lower [[Euphrates]]. Sheikh [[Mehdi Al-Khalissi]] was a prominent Shia leader of the revolt.

Sunni and Shia religious communities cooperated during the revolution as well as tribal communities, the urban masses, and many Iraqi officers in [[Syria]].<ref name="atiyyah">Atiyyah, Ghassan R. Iraq: 1908-1921 A Socio-Political Study. The Arab Institute for Research and Publishing, 1973, 307</ref> The objectives of the revolution were independence from British rule and creation of an Arab government.<ref name="atiyyah"/> Though the revolt achieved some initial success, by the end of October 1920, the British had crushed the revolt. Although the revolt was largely over by the end of 1920, elements of it dragged on until 1922.

During the 1920 revolt, another [[Mahmud Barzanji revolts|anti-British rebellion]] took place in the north Iraq by the [[Kurdish people|Kurds]], who were trying to gain independence. One of the major Kurdish leaders of the Kurdish revolt was Sheikh [[Mahmud Barzanji|Mahmoud Barzanji]].

==Background==
After [[World War I]] the idea of the [[League of Nations]] creating Mandates for the territories of the defeated [[Central Powers]] began to take shape after the Peace [[Treaty of Versailles]] in 1919.<ref name="tripp"/> The idea was based on the principle that the territories would eventually become independent but under the tutelage of one of the victorious [[Allies of World War I|Entente]] countries.<ref name="tripp">Tripp, Charles. ''A History of Iraq''. Cambridge University Press, 2007, 40</ref> People in Ottoman provinces began to fear the Mandate concept since "it seemed to suggest European imperial rule by another name."<ref name="tripp"/>

At the [[San Remo Conference]] in April 1920, Great Britain was awarded the Mandate for [[Iraq]], (called Mesopotamia in the Western world at the time) as well as the [[Mandate for Palestine]]. In Iraq the British got rid of most of the former Ottoman officials and the new administration was composed of mainly British officials. Many people in Iraq began to fear becoming part of the [[British Empire]]. It was at this point that one of the most eminent Shia ''mujtahid'', Ayatollah Muhammad Taqi al-Shirazi, issued a [[fatwa]] "declaring that service in the British administration was unlawful."<ref name="tripp41">Tripp, Charles. A History of Iraq. Cambridge University Press, 2007, 41</ref> There was growing resentment to new British policies such as new land ownership laws, which upset tribal leaders, and especially for the new tax which people had to pay to be buried in [[Najaf]], where Shia from all over the world came to be buried.<ref>Vinogradov, Amal. "The 1920 Revolt in Iraq Reconsidered: The Role of Tribes in National Politics," International Journal of Middle East Studies, Vol.3, No.2 (Apr., 1972): 133</ref> Meetings between Shia ulema and tribal leaders discussed strategies for peaceful protests but they did consider violent action if the peaceful demonstrations failed to get results.<ref name="tripp41"/>

==The Revolution==
{{See also|Alleged British use of gas in Mesopotamia in 1920}}
Discontent with British rule materialized in May 1920 with the outbreak of mass meetings and demonstrations in Baghdad. The start of the revolution was centered on peaceful protests against British rule. There were large gatherings at Sunni and Shia mosques which gave proof of co-operation between the two main sects of Iraqi society.<ref name="tripp43">Tripp, Charles. A History of Iraq. Cambridge University Press, 2007, 43</ref> At one of the larger meetings 15 representatives were nominated to present the case for Iraqi independence to the British officials. Acting Civil Commissioner, [[Arnold Wilson]], dismissed their demands as unpractical.<ref>Vinogradov, Amal. "The 1920 Revolt in Iraq Reconsidered: The Role of Tribes in National Politics," International Journal of Middle East Studies, Vol.3, No.2 (Apr., 1972): 135</ref>

Armed revolt broke out in late June 1920. Ayatollah al-Shirazi issued another fatwa which read, "It is the duty of the Iraqis to demand their rights. In demanding them they should maintain peace and order. But if the English prevent them obtaining their rights it is permitted to make use of defensive force." <ref>al-Rahimi, ‘Abd al-Halim, Al-haraka al-Islamiyya fi al-‘Iraq: al-juthur alfikriyya wa al-waqi‘ al-tarikhi (1900–24) (The Islamic Movement in Iraq: Ideological Roots and Historical Situation, 1900–1924), Dar al-‘alamiyya, Beirut, 1985, 219 </ref> This seemed to encourage armed revolt. The British authorities hoped to avoid this and they arrested a sheikh of the Zawalim tribe.<ref>Vinogradov, Amal. "The 1920 Revolt in Iraq Reconsidered: The Role of Tribes in National Politics," International Journal of Middle East Studies, Vol.3, No.2 (Apr., 1972): 136</ref> Later an armed band of loyal tribal warriors stormed the prison and set him free. The revolt soon gained momentum as the British garrisons in the mid-[[Euphrates]] region were weak and the armed tribes much stronger. By late July, the armed tribal rebels controlled most of the mid-Euphrates region.<ref name="tripp43"/> The success of the tribes caused the revolt to spread to the lower Euphrates and all around Baghdad.<ref name="tripp43"/>

The British [[Secretary of State for War|War Secretary]], [[Winston Churchill]], authorized immediate reinforcements from [[Iran]] that included two squadrons of the [[Royal Air Force]]. The use of aircraft shifted the advantage to the British and played a huge role in ending the revolt.<ref>Vinogradov, Amal. "The 1920 Revolt in Iraq Reconsidered: The Role of Tribes in National Politics," International Journal of Middle East Studies, Vol.3, No.2 (Apr., 1972): 137</ref> There were also tribes that worked against the revolt since they were recognized by the British authorities and profited from this acknowledgement. Eventually the rebels began to run low on supplies and funding and could not support the revolt for much longer while British forces were becoming more effective. The revolt ended in October 1920 when the rebels surrendered Najaf and [[Karbala]] to the British authorities.<ref name="tripp43"/>

==Aftermath==
6,000<ref name="tripp43"/> to 10,000<ref name="guardian">[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2003/apr/19/iraq.arts ''Our last occupation - Gas, chemicals, bombs: Britain has used them all before in Iraq''], The Guardian, Jonathan Glancey, 19 April 2003, Retrieved 16.05.2012.</ref> Iraqis and around 500 British and Indian soldiers died during the revolt.<ref name="tripp43"/><ref name="wwi.lib.byu.edu"/> The [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] flew missions totalling 4,008 hours, dropped 97 tons of bombs and fired 183,861 rounds for the loss of nine men killed, seven wounded and 11 aircraft destroyed behind rebel lines.<ref name="guardian"/> The revolt caused British officials to drastically reconsider their strategy in Iraq. The revolt cost the British government 40 million pounds, which was twice the amount of the annual budget allotted for Iraq and a huge factor in reconsidering their strategy in Iraq.<ref>Vinogradov, Amal. "The 1920 Revolt in Iraq Reconsidered: The Role of Tribes in National Politics," International Journal of Middle East Studies, Vol.3, No.2 (Apr., 1972): 138</ref> It had cost more than the entire British-funded [[Arab Revolt|Arab rising]] against the [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1917-1918.<ref name="guardian"/>

The new Colonial Secretary, [[Winston Churchill]], decided a new administration was needed in Iraq as well as the British colonies in the Middle East so called for a large conference in Cairo. In March 1921 at the [[Cairo Conference (1921)|Cairo Conference]], British officials discussed the future of Iraq. The British now wanted to control Iraq through more indirect means, mainly by installing former officials friendly to the British government. They eventually decided to install [[Faisal I of Iraq|Faysal ibn Husayn]] as King of Iraq.<ref name="Vinogradov, Amal 1972">Vinogradov, Amal. "The 1920 Revolt in Iraq Reconsidered: The Role of Tribes in National Politics," International Journal of Middle East Studies, Vol.3, No.2 (Apr., 1972): 139</ref> Faysal had worked with the British before in the [[Arab Revolt]] during World War I and he enjoyed good relations with certain important officials.<ref>Tripp, Charles. A History of Iraq. Cambridge University Press, 2007, 47</ref> British officials also thought installing Faysal as king would prevent Faysal from fighting [[French Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon|the French in Syria]] and damaging British-French relations.<ref name="Vinogradov, Amal 1972"/>

For Iraqis the revolt served as part of the founding of Iraqi nationalism although this conclusion is debated by scholars. It also showed unprecedented co-operation between Sunni and Shia Muslims although this co-operation did not last much longer than the end of the revolt.<ref>Tripp, Charles. ''A History of Iraq''. Cambridge University Press, 2007, 44</ref>

==See also==
*[[RAF Iraq Command]]
*[[List of modern conflicts in the Middle East]]
*[[San Remo conference]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
*Rutledge, Ian. Enemy on the Euphrates: The British Occupation of Iraq and the Great Arab Revolt 1914-1921. Saqi Books, 2014
*Tripp, Charles. A History of Iraq. Cambridge University Press, 2007
*Fieldhouse, D.K. ''Western imperialism in the Middle East 1914–1958''. Oxford University Press, 2006
*Spector S. Reeva and Tejirian H. Eleanor.''The Creation of Iraq, 1914–1921''. Columbia University Press, 2004
*Atiyyah, Ghassan R. Iraq: 1908-1921A Socio-Political Study. The Arab Institute for Research and Publishing, 1973
*Vinogradov, Amal. “The 1920 Revolt in Iraq Reconsidered: The Role of Tribes in National Politics,” International Journal of Middle East Studies, Vol.3, No.2 (Apr., 1972): 123–139
*Lieb, Peter. “Suppressing Insurgencies in Comparison: The Germans in the Ukraine, 1918, and the British in Mesopotamia, 1920,” Small Wars & Insurgencies 23 (2012): 627-647
{{British colonial campaigns}}
{{Middle East conflicts}}

[[Category:Rebellions in Iraq]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1920]]
[[Category:20th century in Iraq]]
[[Category:Rebellions in Asia]]
[[Category:1920s in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:1920 in Iraq]]
[[Category:20th-century military history of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Iraq–United Kingdom relations]]
[[Category:Military history of Iraq]]
[[Category:Iraqi revolt against the British| ]]