Iraqi paramilitary fighters, including Iran-backed factions, held a parade at a military base in eastern Iraq on Saturday. The parade showcased tanks and rocket launchers. This was their biggest formal parade till date. The event was attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

The event marked seven years since the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) were formed to fight the Sunni Muslim extremist Islamic State group.

"I esteem your sacrifices, and the sacrifices of the Iraqi armed forces" in fighting Islamic State, Kadhimi said, warning against any "sedition" within the PMF, but without elaborating.

The PMF's establishment created a state-sanctioned umbrella organisation of mostly Shi'ite militias backed by Iran.

Iran-backed factions are the most powerful in the PMF. After the Islamic State's defeat in 2017, these factions have expanded their military, political and economic power. They have also carried out attacks on bases that house the 2500 remaining US forces in Iraq.

They have allies in parliament and government and a grip over some state bodies, including security institutions.

Those factions are also accused of killing protesters who took to the streets in late 2019 demanding the removal of Iraq's ruling elite. The groups deny involvement in activist killings.

Kadhimi, a U.S.-friendly interim premier, has tried to crack down on the most powerful Iran-backed factions but without success because of their military strength and political influence.

The membership of Iran-aligned groups in the PMF has made it difficult for Kadhimi and state security forces to check the power of the militias, since they are effectively part of the state itself.

On Saturday Kadhimi watched, flanked by militia commanders while hundreds of armoured vehicles drove past a banner of the late PMF military chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, an Iran-backed commander who was killed in a U.S. drone strike last year.

The parade, a demonstration of military might, took place at a base once occupied by U.S. troops near the border with Iran.

The PMF was formed in 2014 after Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani urged all able-bodied Iraqis to take up arms against Islamic State, which had taken over a third of Iraq.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iraqi paramilitary fighters, including Iran-backed factions, held a parade at a military base in eastern Iraq on Saturday. The parade showcased tanks and rocket launchers.

Iraqi paramilitary fighters, including Iran-backed factions, held a parade at a military base in eastern Iraq on Saturday. The parade showcased tanks and rocket launchers. This was their biggest formal parade till date. The event was attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. The event marked seven years since the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) were formed to fight the Sunni Muslim extremist Islamic State group. "I esteem your sacrifices, and the sacrifices of the Iraqi armed forces" in fighting Islamic State, Kadhimi said, warning against any "sedition" within the PMF, but without elaborating. The PMF's establishment created a state-sanctioned umbrella organisation of mostly Shi'ite militias backed by Iran. Iran-backed factions are the most powerful in the PMF. After the Islamic State's defeat in 2017, these factions have expanded their military, political and economic power. They have also carried out attacks on bases that house the 2500 remaining US forces in Iraq. They have allies in parliament and government and a grip over some state bodies, including security institutions. Those factions are also accused of killing protesters who took to the streets in late 2019 demanding the removal of Iraq's ruling elite. The groups deny involvement in activist killings. Kadhimi, a U.S.-friendly interim premier, has tried to crack down on the most powerful Iran-backed factions but without success because of their military strength and political influence. The membership of Iran-aligned groups in the PMF has made it difficult for Kadhimi and state security forces to check the power of the militias, since they are effectively part of the state itself. On Saturday Kadhimi watched, flanked by militia commanders while hundreds of armoured vehicles drove past a banner of the late PMF military chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, an Iran-backed commander who was killed in a U.S. drone strike last year. The parade, a demonstration of military might, took place at a base once occupied by U.S. troops near the border with Iran. The PMF was formed in 2014 after Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani urged all able-bodied Iraqis to take up arms against Islamic State, which had taken over a third of Iraq. (With inputs from agencies)

Iraqi paramilitaries, Iran-backed factions hold parade in Iraq

An airstrike killed 26 fighters of Iraqi paramilitary group Hashed al-Shaabi in eastern Syria after a deadly attack on US-led coalition troops in Iraq, a war monitor said Thursday.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Wednesday strike was probably carried out by the coalition.

But the anti-jihadist alliance denied having carried out any raids in Syria or neighbouring Iraq on Wednesday night.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/syria-war-enters-10th-year-with-no-hope-in-sight-285777">Syria war enters 10th year with no hope in sight</a>

"The US/Coalition did not conduct any strikes in Syria or Iraq last night," a spokesman said in a statement to the source.

Before the strike near the border town of Albu Kamal, rockets were fired at a military base north of Baghdad hosting coalition troops, killing two Americans and one Briton.

It was the deadliest such attack in years on an Iraqi military base hosting foreign troops.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reports-of-pakistani-fighters-killed-in-idlib-no-response-from-imran-govt-284961">Reports of Pakistani fighters killed in Idlib; no response from Imran govt</a>

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the United States has blamed Iran-backed factions from the Hashed al-Shaabi for similar violence in recent months.

Within hours, the airstrikes were launched against Hashed forces just across the border in Syria.

Hardline Hashed factions have fought alongside Syrian government forces for several years and have been targeted by both coalition and Israeli airstrikes.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/fragmented-politics-of-syrian-refugee-crisis-jeopardises-the-future-of-millions-285579">Fragmented politics of Syrian refugee crisis jeopardises the future of millions</a>

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria since the start of the war in 2011, which it says mainly target Iranian forces and allied Lebanese fighters.

The coalition has been carrying out airstrikes in Syria since 2014 when the Islamic State group overran a large swathe of the country and neighbouring Iraq.

Coalition-backed forces last year expelled the jihadists from their last outpost in eastern Syria, but the group retains sleeper cells on both sides of the border.

An airstrike killed 26 fighters of Iraqi paramilitary group Hashed al-Shaabi in eastern Syria after a deadly attack on US-led coalition troops in Iraq, a war monitor said Thursday.

An airstrike killed 26 fighters of Iraqi paramilitary group Hashed al-Shaabi in eastern Syria after a deadly attack on US-led coalition troops in Iraq, a war monitor said Thursday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Wednesday strike was probably carried out by the coalition. But the anti-jihadist alliance denied having carried out any raids in Syria or neighbouring Iraq on Wednesday night. Also read: Syria war enters 10th year with no hope in sight "The US/Coalition did not conduct any strikes in Syria or Iraq last night," a spokesman said in a statement to the source. Before the strike near the border town of Albu Kamal, rockets were fired at a military base north of Baghdad hosting coalition troops, killing two Americans and one Briton. It was the deadliest such attack in years on an Iraqi military base hosting foreign troops. Also see: Reports of Pakistani fighters killed in Idlib; no response from Imran govt There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the United States has blamed Iran-backed factions from the Hashed al-Shaabi for similar violence in recent months. Within hours, the airstrikes were launched against Hashed forces just across the border in Syria. Hardline Hashed factions have fought alongside Syrian government forces for several years and have been targeted by both coalition and Israeli airstrikes. Also read: Fragmented politics of Syrian refugee crisis jeopardises the future of millions Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria since the start of the war in 2011, which it says mainly target Iranian forces and allied Lebanese fighters. The coalition has been carrying out airstrikes in Syria since 2014 when the Islamic State group overran a large swathe of the country and neighbouring Iraq. Coalition-backed forces last year expelled the jihadists from their last outpost in eastern Syria, but the group retains sleeper cells on both sides of the border.

East Syria strike kills 26 Iraqi fighters: Monitor

A top commander in Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network said Wednesday it was time for an "Iraqi response" to a US drone strike that killed the network's deputy chief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">Also read: Iran fires 'more than a dozen' ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq</a>

"That response will be no less than the size of the Iranian response. That is a promise," Qais al-Khazali, a hardline Hashed commander, threatened in a tweet. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/key-facts-about-al-asad-us-air-base-in-iraq-attacked-by-iran-272873">In Pics: Key facts about Al-Asad US air base in Iraq attacked by Iran</a>

Iran launched missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops early Wednesday in retaliation for last week's US drone strike that killed senior Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusively-talks-to-former-us-military-intelligence-officer-lt-steven-rogers-272928/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-slain-general-soleimani-laid-to-rest-in-hometown-kerman-272814">Also Read: Iran's slain general Soleimani laid to rest in hometown Kerman</a>

In 2007, Khazali was arrested by American forces for his alleged role in an attack on a government compound in Karbala in the Shia heartland of southern Iraq, which left five American soldiers dead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-to-new-high-after-iran-attacks-us-bases-in-iraq-272812">Also Read: Oil prices surge to new high after Iran attacks US bases in Iraq</a>

He is now one of the most feared and respected Shia militia leaders in Iraq, and one of Iran’s most important allies in the country.

He was among the thousands of militia fighters, armed and wearing green camouflage military fatigues, who flocked to northern Iraq to battle Islamic State.

A top commander in Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network said Wednesday it was time for an "Iraqi response" to a US drone strike that killed the network's deputy chief.

A top commander in Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network said Wednesday it was time for an "Iraqi response" to a US drone strike that killed the network's deputy chief. Also read: Iran fires 'more than a dozen' ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq "That response will be no less than the size of the Iranian response. That is a promise," Qais al-Khazali, a hardline Hashed commander, threatened in a tweet. In Pics: Key facts about Al-Asad US air base in Iraq attacked by Iran Iran launched missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops early Wednesday in retaliation for last week's US drone strike that killed senior Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Watch: Also Read: Iran's slain general Soleimani laid to rest in hometown Kerman In 2007, Khazali was arrested by American forces for his alleged role in an attack on a government compound in Karbala in the Shia heartland of southern Iraq, which left five American soldiers dead. Also Read: Oil prices surge to new high after Iran attacks US bases in Iraq He is now one of the most feared and respected Shia militia leaders in Iraq, and one of Iran’s most important allies in the country. He was among the thousands of militia fighters, armed and wearing green camouflage military fatigues, who flocked to northern Iraq to battle Islamic State.

Qasem Soleimani killing: It's time for 'Iraqi response' to US drone strike, says Paramilitary chief Qais al-Khazali

At least eight people were killed as rockets hit Baghdad airport on Friday.&nbsp;

The Iraqi military said three rockets hit the international airport in Baghdad.

"The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," Hashed said in a statement.

<img alt="Major-General Qassem Soleimani" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1c7d5fe-9042-4d47-94fa-4d3e82ef72c4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_14.jpg" />

Soleimani heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard(IRG) Corps' Quds Force.

As the attack on the Baghdad airport became public, US President Trump tweeted an image of the US flag amid allegations by PMF that the US was responsible for the attack.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/VXeKiVzpTf">pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1212924762827046918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Reports say three Katyusha rockets were fired at the airport. According to police and medical sources, at least eight people were killed and nine others wounded.

Iraq's military said the airport was hit by rockets post-midnight.

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) - an organisation of Shia militias in Iraq blamed the United States for the attack describing it as "cowardly US bombing."

The attack comes just a day after Hashed supporters pulled out of the US embassy in Baghdad after an airstrike killed several of its fighters.

At least eight people were killed as rockets hit Baghdad airport on Friday. The Iraqi military said three rockets hit the international airport in Baghdad. "The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," Hashed said in a statement.

At least eight people were killed as rockets hit Baghdad airport on Friday. The Iraqi military said three rockets hit the international airport in Baghdad. "The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," Hashed said in a statement. Soleimani heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard(IRG) Corps' Quds Force. As the attack on the Baghdad airport became public, US President Trump tweeted an image of the US flag amid allegations by PMF that the US was responsible for the attack. pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020 × Reports say three Katyusha rockets were fired at the airport. According to police and medical sources, at least eight people were killed and nine others wounded. Iraq's military said the airport was hit by rockets post-midnight. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) - an organisation of Shia militias in Iraq blamed the United States for the attack describing it as "cowardly US bombing." The attack comes just a day after Hashed supporters pulled out of the US embassy in Baghdad after an airstrike killed several of its fighters.

Rocket attack on Baghdad airport; top Iran commander killed

A US strike killed top Iranian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-attack-on-baghdad-airport-top-iran-commander-killed-271756">commander Qasem Soleimani</a> and the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military force at Baghdad's airport early Friday, the Hashed announced.&nbsp;

"The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," the group said in a statement.

The international airport was hit in a volley of missiles just after midnight, Iraq's military said.

Security sources said the rockets targeted a Hashed convoy and left eight people dead, including "important figures."

As the news of the attack became public, Donald Trump tweeted a picture of the US flag.

The Hashed is a network of mostly-Shiite armed units, many of whom have very close ties to Tehran, who have been officially incorporated into Iraq's state security forces.

Muhandis is the Hashed's deputy chief but is widely recognised as the real shot-caller within the group.

He has been blacklisted by the US.&nbsp;

Soleimani heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force and also serves as Iran's pointman on Iraq.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a mob of Hashed supporters surrounded the US embassy in outrage over American air strikes that killed 25 fighters from the network's hardline Kataeb Hezbollah faction, which is backed by Iran.&nbsp;

The US had acted in response to a rocket attack days earlier that had killed an American contractor working in Iraq.

A US strike killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military force at Baghdad's airport early Friday, the Hashed announced.

A US strike killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military force at Baghdad's airport early Friday, the Hashed announced. "The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," the group said in a statement. The international airport was hit in a volley of missiles just after midnight, Iraq's military said. Security sources said the rockets targeted a Hashed convoy and left eight people dead, including "important figures." As the news of the attack became public, Donald Trump tweeted a picture of the US flag. The Hashed is a network of mostly-Shiite armed units, many of whom have very close ties to Tehran, who have been officially incorporated into Iraq's state security forces. Muhandis is the Hashed's deputy chief but is widely recognised as the real shot-caller within the group. He has been blacklisted by the US. Soleimani heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force and also serves as Iran's pointman on Iraq. On Tuesday, a mob of Hashed supporters surrounded the US embassy in outrage over American air strikes that killed 25 fighters from the network's hardline Kataeb Hezbollah faction, which is backed by Iran. The US had acted in response to a rocket attack days earlier that had killed an American contractor working in Iraq.

Deputy head of group, Iran's Quds Force head Qasem Soleimani killed: Hashed al-Shaabi

hashed-al-shaabi

Hashed Al Shaabi, News on Hashed Al Shaabi, stories on Hashed Al Shaabi, articles on Hashed Al Shaabi, Hashed Al Shaabi stories at Wion, Hashed Al Shaabi news, Hashed Al Shaabi latest news

hashed al-shaabi

Iraqi paramilitaries, Iran-backed factions hold parade in Iraq

East Syria strike kills 26 Iraqi fighters: Monitor

Qasem Soleimani killing: It's time for 'Iraqi response' to US drone strike, says Paramilitary chief Qais al-Khazali

Rocket attack on Baghdad airport; top Iran commander killed

Deputy head of group, Iran's Quds Force head Qasem Soleimani killed: Hashed al-Shaabi