Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) have become involved in an open confrontation with the Iraqi protesters who have been demonstrating since Oct. 1 and calling for major reforms. Over the last three months, the PMU have been accused of participating in a crackdown on protests.
On Jan. 5, Dhi Qar province in southern Iraq witnessed the killing of two protesters who were among others protesting a symbolic funeral procession held by a group of armed men for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force Cmdr. Qasem Soleimani, who was assassinated at Baghdad International Airport Jan. 3.