Iraqi Popular Forces' Figure Calls on US to Apologize for Irresponsible Remarks
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Hadi Al-Ameri, a senior commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, called on the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to apologize for his irresponsible remarks against these forces.
Al-Ameri who is head of the Badr Organization in a statement released on Monday evening had urged the Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to avoid receiving Tillerson until he apologizes for the remarks.
Meantime, Iraq's Prime Minister defended the popular forces during talks with Tillerson and described the Hashad al-Shaabi as "a hope for Iraq and the region".
Abadi said that “Hashd al-Shaabi forces should be encouraged."
The fighters "defended their country and sacrificed themselves to defeat the Daesh (also ISIL) group", the Iraqi prime minister’s office quoted him in a statement.
Mr Tillerson held talks with Mr Abadi in Baghdad late on Monday, a day after the two men spoke during regional talks in Saudi Arabia.
Tillerson had told reporters recently that it was time for the Iraqi popular forces to "go home" now that the battle against Daesh (Also known as ISIS or ISIL) was "coming to a close".
