The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), or Hashd al-Shaabi, a powerful paramilitary umbrella organization in Iraq, has seen a significant increase in its number of fighters and its budget in recent years. As of 2024, the force boasts a membership of over 238,000, a substantial jump from approximately 60,000 in 2014, and its budget has swelled to an estimated $2.9 billion. This growth underscores the PMF's expanding influence within Iraq's security and political landscape.

Formation and Legal Status

The PMF was formed in 2014 following a fatwa by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's highest Shia religious authority, calling for volunteers to fight against the Islamic State (IS) group. Initially a collection of volunteer militias, the PMF was officially recognized by the Iraqi parliament in 2016, integrating it into the state's security apparatus and placing it under the formal command of the prime minister. Despite this, many of its factions, particularly those with strong ties to Iran, operate with a degree of autonomy.

Budget and Personnel Growth

The PMF's budget has seen a steady and rapid increase. In 2019-2022, its general budget was $2.16 billion, which rose to $2.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to be around $2.9 billion in 2024. According to the 2024 budget tables, the allocation for PMF salaries increased from 3.5 trillion Iraqi dinars in 2023 to 3.9 trillion dinars in 2024, an 11.4% increase.

The number of PMF members has also seen a dramatic rise. From around 60,000 volunteers in 2014, the force grew to over 122,000 by 2021. By the end of 2023, this number had jumped to 204,000 and now stands at 238,000 fighters, constituting approximately 16.5% of Iraq's total security and armed forces.

Composition and Leadership

The PMF is a diverse coalition, though predominantly Shia. It is estimated that Shia Muslims make up about 85% of the force, with the remaining 15% composed of Sunni Muslims. However, the leadership is overwhelmingly controlled by Shia figures.

The PMF is chaired by Falih al-Fayyadh. The deputy head is Abdul-Aziz al-Mohammadawi, also known as Abu Fadak. Many of the most powerful groups within the PMF are backed by Iran.

Key Brigades and Factions

The PMF is composed of numerous brigades, often affiliated with specific political parties or religious authorities. Some of the most prominent include:

• Badr Organization: Led by Hadi al-Amiri, it is one of the oldest and most powerful factions, with 15 brigades.

• Kata'ib Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades): An influential group with strong ties to Iran, controlling several brigades.

• Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq (League of the Righteous): Another influential Iran-aligned group that emerged from the Sadrist movement, with three brigades.

• Saraya al-Salam (Peace Brigades): Affiliated with the Sadrist movement led by Muqtada al-Sadr, consisting of three brigades.

• Atabat Brigades: Forces affiliated with the holy shrines in Karbala and Najaf, generally seen as more loyal to the Iraqi state.

• Tribal Mobilization (Hashd al-Asha'iri): Comprised of Sunni tribal fighters who joined the fight against IS.

• Minority Brigades: Including Christian groups like the Babylon Brigades and Shabak forces from the Nineveh Plains.

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