US Urges Iraq to Rein in Iran-Backed Groups
By John Lee.
A US State Department spokesperson has reiterated Washington's concerns over Iranian-backed groups operating in Iraq.
Responding to a question at a press briefing, Tammy Bruce emphasised that Iraq's government must maintain command and control over all security forces, including the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), and ensure they report to Iraq's commander-in-chief rather than Iran.
Full text of spokesperson's statement:
First, to strengthen Iraq's sovereignty, the Government of Iraq must ensure it has command and control of all security forces within its borders, to include the PMF. These forces must respond to Iraq's commander-in-chief and not to Iran.
We are also concerned that these Iran-aligned groups within the PMF, including designated foreign terrorist organizations, engage in violent and destabilizing activities in Iraq. We continue to urge the Iraqi Government to rein in these groups and hold them accountable for breaking Iraqi law. The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he has made it clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.
(Source: US State Dept)
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