June
2016
The
goals pursued by Shiite militia groups associated to Iran and the Revolutionary
Guards Quds Force in their presence in the Fallujah operations is no longer a
mystery for anyone. The sectarian nature of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU)
and other Shiite militia groups and their approach vis-à-vis the residents of
the towns of Garma, Saqlawiya and locals in Fallujah who were able to flee from
ISIS control have made it crystal clear the objectives they are following in
the Fallujah operations of seeking vengeance against the Sunni community. This
has raised major protests and resulted in deep concerns amongst Arab and
regional states over the role played by Iran-backed Shiite militia groups in
the Fallujah operations. On the other hand, the public announcement made by Hadi
al-Ameri and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in various press conferences of Fallujah
being liberated by PMU forces showed that the PMU and Shiite militias are the
main parties involved in the Fallujah operations. Al-Ameri had previously
announced the PMU mission will finalize following the Fallujah operations. More
recently, however, he has said, “After we have ensured that all non-civilians
have exited Fallujah we will attack the city and no one will stop us. No one
can liberate Fallujah without PMU participation.”
