Nineveh Plain Protection Units and residents of Baghdede, Iraq, protest against Popular Mobilization Forces

BAGHDEDE, Iraq — In the Nineveh Plains towns of Baghdede, hundreds of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian residents, alongside members of the 13th Regiment of the Nineveh Plain Protection Units, gathered in front of the Syriac Catholic Archdiocese of Mosul and its Environs to demand that the Rayan al-Kadani group of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) leave their community.

The protesters demanded an end to the corruption, nepotism, and security and societal violations brought on by the group in Nineveh Plains. They highlighted the involvement of Rayan al-Kadani in illegal and suspicious activities that threaten the community and called for their immediate removal from the region.

Rayan al-Kadani are just one offending group among many, according to the demonstrators who demanded the removal of all PMF factions from Baghdede, citing their interference in the security affairs of Nineveh Plains communities. The protesters believe that such interference undermines their efforts to establish peaceful and stable communities.

The protest reflects the growing frustration and anger of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community in Baghdede who feel they are continually at the mercy of powerful and corrupt forces. The community is calling on the authorities to take swift action to address their concerns and ensure their safety and well-being.