Will Shiite militias become Iraq’s Basij?
The Popular Mobilization Units are expanding their presence in the strategic city of Basra by forming a Voluntary Reserves force, similar to the Iranian Basij forces.
In an action suggesting the intent of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) to expand their presence and increase the number of their cadres in Iraq, the PMU’s Basra office announced Sept. 12 the formation of the Voluntary Reserves.
However, this expansion is facing considerable objections from various parties in the Iraqi arena.
According to a statement issued by the PMU, the force consists of 10 brigades.
The Voluntary Reserves were formed in response to the demonstrations that took place in Basra at the beginning of September, in which the demonstrators burned several offices belonging to pro-Iran PMU parties, in addition to the Iranian Consulate in the city.
