BAGHDAD (Dispatches) -- Iraq’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani has approved comprehensive disciplinary and legal measures against senior commanders of a paramilitary faction within the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) following a recent violent incident in Baghdad that tragically resulted in three deaths.
The confrontation unfolded on July 27 at the Agricultural Directorate in Baghdad’s Karkh district, when armed elements affiliated with the PMF engaged federal police forces after a leadership change at the directorate. An official government investigation, ordered by Prime Minister al-Sudani, revealed that the ousted director—accused of corruption—had orchestrated the deployment of Kataib Hezbollah fighters to challenge the new administration.
Kataib Hezbollah, a prominent faction within the PMF, has played a pivotal role in Iraq’s fight against the Daesh terrorist group, demonstrating unwavering commitment and sacrifice in protecting Iraqi sovereignty. Since its formal integration under the Iraqi military command in 2016, the PMF has remained a critical pillar of national security, operating with a degree of autonomy that reflects its grassroots origins and diverse composition.
Al-Sudani, who also serves as commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces, swiftly established a committee to investigate the incident and endorsed recommendations to remove the commanders of the 45th and 46th Brigades implicated in the clashes. The prime minister also ordered judicial proceedings against those involved and initiated a review of leadership structures within the PMF to strengthen oversight and accountability.
The investigation highlighted organizational challenges within the PMF, including the existence of units functioning outside formal command lines. Addressing these issues, al-Sudani emphasized the importance of integrating all security forces under state authority to ensure unity and effective governance.
The relationship between the Iraqi government and the PMF remains a cornerstone of Iraq’s security framework, especially amid ongoing regional complexities. 
The relationship between the Iraqi state and the PMF has been a point of tension with the United States.
The Iraqi parliament is discussing legislation that would solidify the relationship between the military and the PMF, drawing objections from Washington.
In an interview with The Associated Press last month, al-Sudani defended the proposed legislation, saying it’s part of an effort to ensure that arms are controlled by the state. “Security agencies must operate under laws and be subject to them and be held accountable,” he said.