PMF leadership rumors shot down by Iraq
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense denied reports suggesting that Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah has been nominated to replace Faleh Al-Fayyad as head of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).
In an official statement, the ministry clarified that “claims circulating on social media about Yarallah’s appointment are false,” affirming that he remains in his current role. It also stressed that “any information regarding the army, its leadership, or personnel should only be considered credible if published through the ministry’s official channels.”
Speculation about Al-Fayyad’s potential dismissal has fueled political debate. On January 29, Hadi al-Ameri, Secretary-General of the Badr Organization, denied that the Coordination Framework—a major Shiite political alliance—had made any formal decision on the matter. However, discussions about leadership changes within the PMF reportedly continue.
An informed source revealed that Coordination Framework leaders are evaluating broader government reshuffles, including the possible replacement of Al-Fayyad, to align with shifting political dynamics.
Potential successors include figures from the Daawa Party, an armed faction, and a Coordination Framework-affiliated politician. Meanwhile, Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, is reportedly advocating for his own candidate to take over the PMF leadership.
Al-Fayyad has led the PMF since 2015, following his appointment by then-Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi. His appointment followed a series of security-related positions, including serving as Iraq’s National Security Advisor.
