Popular Mobilization Forces arrest 45 suspects in Iraq

Iraq’s state-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) announced the arrest of 45 suspects following operations across 12 provinces. The PMF reported that the arrests targeted several networks, including those linked to the banned Ba’ath party, organized crime, and the leaking of state security information.

According to the PMF, 23 arrests were related to Ba’ath party links, six involved leaking state security information, five were for organized crime, four involved terrorism charges, and seven were tied to extremist movements. The PMF stated that all actions were conducted under official judicial warrants and legal procedures.

Under Iraqi Law No. 32 of 2016, membership and activity in the Ba’ath party are criminalized, with penalties ranging from 10 years in prison to life imprisonment or the death penalty for those attempting to organize cells or overthrow the political system. These operations occur amid ongoing constitutional debates regarding the authority of armed groups operating outside direct state control.