Draft:2025 Baghdad clashes

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2025 Baghdad clashes
Part of Iraqi conflict
Date27 July 2025
Location
Baghdad, Iraq (Karkh/Dora district)
Result

Iraqi government victory

  • Kataib Hezbollah fails to prevent sacking of director
  • Attackers arrested[4]
Belligerents
IraqIraqi Federal Police[1][2]
Casualties and losses
1 police officer killed,
9 wounded (including civilians)[1][3]		 1 militiaman killed,
6 wounded
1 civilian killed, 14 KH members arrested[3]

The 2025 Baghdad clashes took place on 27 July 2025, in Baghdad's Karkh district when Kataib Hezbollah (KH) militiamen stormed an office belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture in an attempt to disrupt the appointment of a new director, after the previous director affiliated with KH was sacked. Iraqi federal police responded to the scene, after which KH opened fire, killing one officer and a civilian. Iraqi authorities announced that one KH member was killed, six wounded and 14 arrested.[3][5]

Background

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The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF—or al‑Hashd al‑Shaʿbī) is a state‑sanctioned umbrella of mostly Shiʿite militias formalized into Iraqi security forces after 2017. Many factions maintain ties to Iran and operate semi‑autonomously despite nominal government oversight. In early 2025, a new reform bill was introduced to further integrate the PMF under the authority of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani and curb external influence.[6][7]

Incident

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On 27 July 2025, fighters affiliated with PMF Brigades 45 and 46 (belonging to Kata’ib Hezbollah) stormed a building of the Ministry of Agriculture in Baghdad's Karkh/Dora district during the appointment of a new director, trying to block the removal of the former head.[1][3][8]

Police and Interior Ministry sources said employees alerted units including the Federal Police, who responded and came under fire, which led to a firefight that ended with the militants detained or retreating.[1][8]

Casualties and Arrests

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At least one police officer was killed and about nine others were wounded, according to hospital and security officials. In addition, one civilian (a taxi driver) was killed in crossfire.[2][9]

Security forces arrested 14 PMF fighters, identified by the Joint Operations Command as members of Brigade 45 and 46. They were referred to the judiciary. An anonymous source within Kata'ib Hezbollah stated that one fighter was killed and six wounded, adding that the group "does not want to escalate."[3][8]

Government Response

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Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani convened an emergency meeting with security officials and ordered a high‑level investigative committee to review how unauthorized PMF forces could mobilize and storm a government institution. He emphasized that "no entity is above the law."[9][2]

The PMF issued a statement vowing that it "will have absolutely no tolerance for any individual who exceeds orders or violates established security procedures," positioning itself as part of state institutions.[9]

Reactions

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Public outrage rose as many Iraqis condemned the incident as evidence of armed groups' impunity and erosion of state authority. Citizens called for disarmament of militias and full enforcement of state control.[2]

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad extended condolences to the families of victims, identified Kataib Hezbollah as a U.S.-designated terrorist group, and urged immediate accountability and legal action.[9]

The Coordination Framework, Iraq's dominant Shiʿite political bloc, condemned the raid and backed government measures to preserve institutional authority and security.[2]

Aftermath and Significance

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The clashes underline deepening tensions between formal Iraqi institutions and Iran-aligned militias embedded within them. The incident has intensified debate over the PMF reform law and the struggle to reinforce state control over armed groups.[3][7][6] On 7 August 2025, Kataib Hezbollah secretary general, Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi complained that the arrested involved in the clashes were being subjected to “severe torture” by Iraqi security forces.[10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Rasheed, Ahmed (27 July 2025). "Iraqi police clash with paramilitary fighters who stormed government building". Arab News. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e Mahmoud, Sinan (27 July 2025). "Iraqi policeman killed and several injured in clashes with Iran-backed militia". The National. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Gunfight in Baghdad kills one as paramilitary group storms ministry". Al Jazeera. 27 July 2025. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  4. ^ "ISHM: July 31 — August 7, 2025" (PDF). Relief Web.
  5. ^ "السفارة الأمريكية تتهم "كتائب حزب الله" باقتحام مكتب وزارة الزراعة في بغداد" (in Arabic). Arabi21.
  6. ^ a b Mahmoud, Sinan (25 March 2025). "Iraq moves to give PMF greater role in state security". The National. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  7. ^ a b Toomey, Bridget (25 July 2025). "US expresses concern over Iraqi legislation enshrining militias as independent security force". FDD’s Long War Journal. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  8. ^ a b c Haboush, Mustafa; Sio, Mohammad (27 July 2025). "Iraq arrests 14 popular mobilization fighters over raid on government building in Baghdad". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  9. ^ a b c d "US offers condolences to families of victims of PMF attack in Baghdad". The New Region. 28 July 2025. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  10. ^ "Kataib Hezbollah leader urges suspension of prime minister's powers after Baghdad clash". +964 Media.


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