On July 27 a gunfight broke out in Baghdad when fighters from the Popular Mobilisation Forces stormed the Agriculture Ministry in the Karkh district as officials were appointing a new director. Police quickly moved to secure the building and a fierce exchange of fire ensued leading to the death of one officer and injuries to nine others according to hospital and law enforcement sources.
Interior Ministry insiders say fourteen fighters were detained following the clash. The Popular Mobilisation Forces also known as Hashed al Shaabi is a state sanctioned paramilitary umbrella group created in 2014 to fight ISIS and since then fully integrated into Iraq’s security apparatus. Several factions within the group maintain close ties with Tehran.
Witnesses inside the compound described the fighters blocking access to the new director and refusing to leave. Security units surrounded the area and used armoured vehicles to contain the situation. Local residents reported heavy gunfire echoing through the neighbourhood for over an hour.
The incident underscores the challenge of enforcing state authority when powerful armed groups operate overtly in political and security affairs. Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al Sudani ordered an investigation to review how the breach occurred and to strengthen rules of engagement within Iraq’s unified security force.
With national elections on the horizon this clash may fuel debate about the role of militias in public life and the importance of civilian oversight. Restoring trust in government institutions while integrating veteran fighters into formal structures will be key to preventing similar confrontations and ensuring lasting stability in Iraq.