The so-called Sahwa forces in Iraq are undergoing significant changes. Sahwa recently elected a new leadership, following a series of defections in recent years.

The Sahwa forces are a military formation of Sunni fighters, established by the US Army to confront al-Qaeda. The multinational force that entered Iraq following the 2003 invasion provided financial and logistical support to Sahwa forces. The withdrawal of American troops in 2011 left the Sahwa forces in a state of political and administrative chaos.

Over the past two years, the Sahwa forces' leadership warned the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki that the Sahwa fighters would abandon their positions in the field unless they become registered in the official defense system and receive monthly salaries like security members in the interior and defense ministries.

In addition to feeling neglected by the government, the Sahwa forces bear the brunt of violent attacks by al-Qaeda. In past years, leaflets have been distributed in predominantly Sunni cities calling on Sahwa forces to declare "repentance" and rejoin the al-Qaeda fighters.