Iraqi paramilitary group rejects al-Kadhimi’s bid to form government
Story summary
The Iraqi paramilitary group of Kataib Hezbollah said on Friday, April 10, that charging Mustafa al-Kadhimi with forming the new government is the equivalent of declaring war, given his role as head of intelligence.
“We call on the Shia blocs to reject the election of Mustafa al-Kadhimi and not to be parts of this plans,” the paramilitary said in a statement, calling his designation a betrayal.
Al-Kadhimi emerged as likely prime minister after receiving the support of most of the country’s Shia factions, as well as the Kurdish and Sunni blocs, NRT reported.
Previous prime minister-designate Adnan al-Zurfi stepped aside on Thursday, clearing the way for al-Kadhimi to form a government.
The PM-designate is particularly suspicious of his role as head of Iraq's intelligence agency, which has worked closely with Washington.
The US has carried out a number of airstrikes against Kataib Hezbollah and has accused it of firing rockets at its troops based in Iraq.
Reporter’s code: 50101
User comments