Shiite factions close to Sistani move to separate from Iran-backed militias
Brigades close to top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani announced the formation of a mobilization force affiliated with the chief of staff of the Iraqi armed forces, rather than Iran.
Four brigades close to top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani held a Dec. 2-4 conference on supporting the state against opposition movements from some militias close to Iran.
The final statement of the conference carried a harsh tone against corruption and militias’ exploitation of the war against the Islamic State for personal and factional interests.
