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PMU under pressure to integrate into Iraqi state

Following dramatic changes in the leadership of the Popular Mobilization Units, two rockets hit near the US Embassy in Baghdad, signaling discontent with the move.
Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces members guard near the building belonging to a Popular Mobilization Forces in Basra, Iraq September 8, 2018. REUTERS/Alaa al-Marjani - RC1209B9A4C0

In a meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Iraqi counterpart, Barham Salih, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting Sept. 24, Trump asked Salih, "Can you assure us that you can control all the rogue elements, especially that we have two rockets landing?"

Trump was referring to the two Katyusha rockets that landed near the US Embassy in Baghdad Sept. 23, with no casulaties. Iraqi security forces captured the Katyusha launchpad in the al-Aathar district near Dora, but no one has claimed responsibility so far.

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