ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Salahaddin Governor Badr al-Fahl has accused the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi) of restricting his authority and blocking access to parts of the province, saying the Iran-backed group continues to control areas in and around Hawija ahead of Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
Speaking on Rudaw’s Bestoon Talk program, Fahl said that “Despite being the head of the security committee of Salahaddin province, the Popular Mobilization Forces prevent me from entering Hawija as I would enter other areas.”
Hawija, a predominantly Sunni Arab district administratively part of Kirkuk province, was a major Islamic State (ISIS) stronghold after 2014 but was retaken by Iraqi forces in 2017. Although the Iraqi army and local police officially oversee security, the PMF - which played a major role in defeating ISIS - continues to exert significant influence, controlling key checkpoints and access routes.
“For nearly six years, efforts have been made to return the people of Hawija to their areas, but the Popular Mobilization Forces have controlled the areas, so they have not been able to return yet,” Fahl said, adding that a committee has now been formed to facilitate returns within two months.
He noted that an official decision is in place for the return of displaced residents, and implementation has begun.
Fahl, who is running as a candidate for the National Masses Party in Salahaddin, said that “although ISIS threats in the area have greatly diminished and the security situation in Salahaddin province is very good, we need more security forces to prevent gaps and maintain stability.