PMF Aims to Increase Influence in Syria

Iranian-backed militias capitalizing on Syrian conflict

Iranian-backed militias, particularly the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), are exploiting the conflict between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to assert control along the Iraqi-Syrian border. Following the SDF’s retreat from Aleppo, the PMF has deployed to the border, claiming to protect Iraq from threats posed by Damascus-affiliated forces. Many PMF factions are U.S.-designated terrorist groups known for attacks against U.S. forces and have a history of violence in Iraq. The PMF aims to reinforce its role in Iraq’s security while denying any coordination with the SDF.

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