BAGHDAD, IRAQ, 2015 Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known in Arabic as Al-Hashd al-Shaabi, are a coalition of mostly Shiite paramilitary groups in Iraq. They were formed in 2014 in response to the rapid expansion of the terrorist organization ISIS. The highest Shiite cleric, Ali al-Sistani, called on Iraqis to take up arms and defend their homeland. This appeal motivated thousands of volunteers to join various militias that later united under the PMF.
The PMF played a crucial role in defeating ISIS, especially in the battles for Tikrit, Fallujah, Mosul, and other cities. The Iraqi government later granted them official status as part of the country’s armed forces, although some factions maintained ties with Iran – creating tensions between them, the Iraqi state, and the United States.
The video dates back to 2015, when ISIS was at the height of its power. They captured one PMF member and executed him by beheading. As was typical for ISIS, they recorded the act as part of a propaganda video aimed at spreading fear and discouraging other PMF fighters from continuing the fight.
All videos and content published on this platform related to ISIS are in no way intended as a promotion of terrorism or this organization. We strongly condemn all forms of terrorism and extremist activities, including those associated with ISIS.
ISIS does not represent Islam. Islam is a religion of peace and compassion, whose values and teachings have nothing to do with the violent acts committed by this organization. Our goal is to inform and educate, not to spread hatred or support violence.
