Iraq has expressed its surprise at a statement of the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash, who accused the Popular Mobilisation Forces of receiving financial support from the brotherly State of Qatar.
A spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Popular Mobilisation Forces (Al Hashd al-Shaabi) is an integral and inseparable part of the national security system and its status as a legitimate organisation has been approved by the Iraqi Parliament.
"As Iraq is seeking to enhance its relations with its brothers in the UAE, such statements impede the progress of our endeavours."
The official said the Popular Mobilisation Forces falls under the General Command of the Armed Forces.
"It has taken part in destroying the ISIS terrorist group that used to threaten Iraq and the region. The UAE is also a beneficiary of the sacrifices made by Al Hashd and the Iraqi Security Forces to protect the region from this terrorist group."
Related Story