Hashed al-Shaabi
An Iraqi state-sponsored umbrella organization composed of dozens of predominantly Shiite militias, many of which maintain close ties to Iran's IRGC and operate as part of the 'Axis of Resistance'.
Hashed al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), is a complex paramilitary umbrella organization in Iraq. While officially integrated into the Iraqi security apparatus, many of its most powerful factions are ideological proxies of the Iranian regime. These groups have played a significant role in regional conflicts, extending their influence beyond Iraq's borders into Syria and maintaining a hostile posture toward Israel and Western interests. For Israel, the PMF represents a critical component of the 'Axis of Resistance,' providing Iran with a land bridge and a platform for long-range drone and missile threats from Iraqi territory.
Historically, the PMF was formed in 2014 following a fatwa by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani to combat the Islamic State (ISIS). However, the leadership of the organization has frequently been dominated by figures closely aligned with Tehran, such as the late Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. This alignment has led to the PMF's involvement in various regional escalations, including the coordination of logistical support and symbolic gestures of solidarity with other Iranian-backed entities like Hezbollah and Hamas.
Recently, the organization has been observed deepening its symbolic and operational ties with the broader Iranian-led front. Delegations from Hashed al-Shaabi have participated in high-profile tributes to fallen leaders of the 'Axis of Resistance,' signaling a unified front in the face of regional tensions. These activities underscore the group's dual nature: a state-sanctioned Iraqi force that simultaneously serves the strategic objectives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, posing a persistent challenge to Israeli security and regional stability.