Iran-backed IMIS leader thanks Mullah regime for interference in Iraq
July 16 2017 12:15 PM

Akram al-Kaabi, secretary-general of al-Nujaba Movement, one of Iranian Militias in Iraq and Syria (IMIS)' factions, thanked in a press statement issued on Sunday the Iranian regime for its meddling in Iraq

In the statement, al-Kaabi thanked Iran, leadership and people for their interference in Iraq and Syria

He also dubbed Qassim Suleimani, commander of Quds Force, a "great commander

Suleimani is listed by the United States as a known terrorist, which forbids US citizens from doing business with him The list was published in the EU's Official Journal on 24 June 2011

Iranian advisers have played a significant role in leading the Iraqi army to decrease the US influence and its allies in the region he claimed.

IMIS is composed of some 40 militias, which are mainly Shiite. These militias were allegedly formed to fight against ISIS terrorists

However, they have been accused of human rights violations and committing crimes based on sectarian motives, particularly against Sunnis

These militias maintain strong links with Tehran and pledge spiritual allegiance to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

As such, they have been groomed and trained by Iran as reliable political and military allies

IMIS also serve as a kind of border guard, a sort of Iranian insurance policy against threats on its immediate border

Moreover, the Shiite militias' resources, including heavy armor, drones, and military advisers, all come from Tehran https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/14446/Iran-backed-IMIS-leader-thanks-Mullah-regime-for-interference-in-Iraq