Al-Sudani Attends Commemoration Ceremony of the Anniversary of Jihad Fatwa and Formation of Popular Mobilization Forces

INA-  Baghdad

Media Office of the Prime Minister stated in a statement received by the Iraqi news agency INA that this morning, Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani attended the official ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of the jihad fatwa issued by His Eminence Grand Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Al-Sistani, alongside the establishment of the Popular Mobilization Forces.
 
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani acknowledged the significant impact of the blessed fatwa, which led to the resounding defeat of ISIS terrorist groups. He extended his congratulations to the Popular Mobilization Forces, their leaders, and members, commending their heroic contributions in fighting alongside our security forces and honoring the sacrifices of our brave martyrs and wounded service members.
 
Here are the Prime Minister's key points from his speech at the ceremony:
 
Today, we gather to commemorate the impactful fatwa of jihad by His Eminence Grand Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Al-Sistani.
 
Thanks to this momentous fatwa, Iraq and the region were spared from the grip of terrorist gangs that ravaged cities, subjected women to abuse, and targeted the vulnerable, including the elderly and children.
 
Upon the issuance of the fatwa, Iraqis from diverse backgrounds, age groups, and communities united as selfless soldiers and protectors of their homeland.
 
Volunteers flocked to recruitment camps in all cities, determined to rescue their fellow countrymen and women living under the oppression of terrorism. The victory was ultimately achieved through this unwavering national unity.
 
Iraq's past security challenges are now history, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our security forces.
 
The Popular Mobilization Forces went beyond land liberation; they played a crucial role in supporting the army to safeguard state institutions and Iraq's political system.
 
The Popular Mobilization Forces have emerged as a critical security entity, relied upon by the state and government to confront future threats.
 
The Popular Mobilization Forces cannot be underestimated or overlooked in terms of security; it has become an indispensable element in ensuring peace and stability on the streets of Iraq.
 
The government is committed to providing support and fostering an environment of stability, essential for implementing construction, reconstruction, and service-oriented plans.
 
With the enactment of its law, the Popular Mobilization Forces now possess full legitimacy under the constitution, operating under the supervision of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, similar to other security services.
 
The government is actively pursuing drafting a bill that ensures a dignified retirement for the members of the Popular Mobilization Forces, equal to their counterparts in other security forces.
 
Our security forces' experiences and the capabilities we have attained in terms of equipment and personnel allow us to safeguard and secure our nation effectively.
 
The sacrifices made by the members of the Popular Mobilization Forces are remarkable stories that deserve to be immortalized and celebrated, representing acts of utmost bravery and devotion.
 
Fair treatment of the families of martyrs and wounded members of the Popular Mobilization Forces is a key priority for the government, aligning with its commitment to fair treatment for all martyrs and wounded servicemembers in the security forces.
 
The government is actively building camps and bases for the Popular Mobilization Forces outside urban cities, aiming to fulfill its original military objectives.
 
We urge Iraqi writers, historians, intellectuals, and research centers to chronicle this everlasting epic, documenting and presenting it to future generations.