At least one police officer was killed and nine injured on Saturday (27.07.2025) in Baghdad in Iraqin armed collisions between police forces and paramilitary fighters associated with Iran. According to the Iraqi authorities, 14 people were arrested.
The clashes took place in the Iraqi capital district when fighters of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) stormed a building of the Ministry of Agriculture during the swearing -in ceremony of its new director, according to the interior ministry.
The PMF (in Arabic Hassad-Al-Sabi) are a coalition of mainly Shiite paramilitary organizations, formally integrated into the Iraqi security forces. Several brigades maintain close relations with Tehran.
As stated in the announcement, the fighters caused disruption to the workers, who immediately called the police. Sources of security services and ministry officials reported that the invaders sought to prevent the replacement of the previous director.
The administration of joint ventures, which is directly subject to Prime Minister Mohammed Sia Al Sudani, confirmed that the detainees are PMF members and were brought to justice.
The men arrested belong to the Brigades 45 and 46, which are linked to Catabollah Hezbollah, an armed pro -agrarian organization operating in Iraq.
The Iraqi prime minister ordered the establishment of a investigation committee for the causes of the incident.