Baghdad – Despite ongoing debate and disapproval of Mosul Council, Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander of Armed Forces Haidar al-Abadi announced adding 15 thousand citizens of Mosul to Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Mosul liberation operation.
PMF spokesperson Ahmad al-Asadi announced on Friday that the prime minister ordered that 15 thousand fighters from Mosul be added to the PMF to participate in liberating Mosul.
Minister of Defense Khalid al-Obaidi discussed with Secretary General of Badr Organization Hadi al-Amiri the preparations of liberating Mosul and role of militias.
The ministry of defense issued a statement saying that Minister Obaidi visited Amiri and both discussed the security and military plans to liberate Mosul.
Head of Nineveh Council Bashar Kiki told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper that they respect the PM’s decision, but they have previously rejected PMF participation in liberating Mosul. He added that they have made it clear that people of Mosul have the capabilities to liberate their governorate.
Kiki added that regardless of the name, the National Mobilization forces are participating in the liberating operation and are the official mobilization forces formed of the citizens of the governorate.
He added that adding 15 thousand members should come as a support to the security forces. Kiki said that local police should be supported and armed as well.
In February 2016, Nineveh Council rejected the decision to include PMF in the liberation of Mosul.
Former Nineveh governor and leader at United Bloc Atheel al-Nujaifi told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that all of Mosul’s citizens are ready and capable of fighting to take control of their city. He added that they do not aim to create strife like in other governorates.
According to Nujaifi, certain political leaders are insisting on the participation of PMF due to Iranian influence. He went on to say that this could turn Mosul into an arena for settling international conflicts; something Nineveh doesn’t need.
Nujaifi was referring in his statement to the Iranian-Turkish conflict.
Earlier, Head of PMF Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis said that Mosul won’t be left for Turkey.
PMF affiliated media outlet said that Muhandis confirmed that PMF will participate in the liberation operations of Sherqat and Mosul. In his statement, Muhandis said the PMF is fully equipped and ready to partake in the liberation especially after the approval of the Commander of the Armed Forces.
Muhandis stressed that PMF will not allow, under any circumstance, for Nineveh to become a stronghold of terrorists, Baathists and Turkish.
Iraqi PM Includes PMF in Mosul Liberation Battle
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