Security researcher Ibrahim Al-Sarraj has warned against withdrawing Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) units from certain areas, saying such moves could negatively affect security and create opportunities for terrorist groups to become active again.
Al-Sarraj told dinaropinions.com that Iraq needs to remain alert to what he described as American plans and intentions that could contribute to instability during the coming period.
He said the recent security incidents in Kirkuk remind him of events that followed the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq at the end of 2011. According to Al-Sarraj, security developments from that period should serve as a lesson when evaluating current decisions.
He argued that withdrawing some PMF units from areas in Kirkuk and Nineveh would be a strategic mistake, especially since, in his view, terrorist hideouts still exist in certain locations.
Al-Sarraj said these groups could take advantage of any security gaps and move between different provinces, including Kirkuk, if security measures are reduced.
He stressed the importance of maintaining strong security coordination and urged the government to carefully assess any decisions related to troop deployments and security responsibilities.
According to Al-Sarraj, protecting stability requires continued vigilance and avoiding decisions that could create opportunities for extremist groups to reorganize or expand their activities.
