Iraq’s PMU: US hostile towards those who fought against global terrorism
Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), in reaction to US sanctions on its deputy leader, says Washington is hostile toward those who played a role in the defeat of global terrorism.
The US Department of Treasury on Wednesday issued a fresh wave of sanctions on Abdul Aziz al-Muhammadawi, also known as Abu Fadak, listing him as a “specially designated terrorist”.
"Hashd al-Sha’abi congratulates the courageous leader Abu Fadak al-Muhammadawi for his inclusion in America's blacklist that targets ... leaders who contributed to the elimination of global terrorism," the PMU said in a Twitter post.
Mohammedawi was named the PMU’s deputy chief last year, replacing martyr Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was martyred along with Iran’s top anti-terror Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in a terrorist drone strike by American forces near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020.
Fighters of the PMU, better known among Iraqis as Hashd al-Sha’abi, have helped the army regain control of Daesh-held territories, which were captured by the terrorist group after it launched an offensive in the country in June 2014.
Hashd al-Sha’abi has been recognized by Iraq’s Parliament as an official force with similar rights as those of the regular army, including the right to receive salaries and pensions.
Iraq’s al-Nujaba Movement, which is part of the PMU, also denounced the US decision, calling the US Treasury a sponsor of terrorism.
“The US Treasury Department is itself a source of financial support for terrorism, and its sanctions have no legal validity,” said Hashim al-Musawi, a senior official of al-Nujaba Movement.
Musawi said the US government must “pay the price of its cruel decisions,” IRNA reported, citing the Lebanese al-Mayadeen TV channel.
He also termed the US blacklisting of Mohammedawi a violation of Iraq as a sovereign state and its military institutions.
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