BAGHDAD — An official with the Iraqi government-sanctioned umbrella of mainly Shiite paramilitary groups says a militia commander was arrested after he criticized Iran’s influence in the country. The official from the Popular Mobilization Forces said on Friday that Aws al-Khafaji, commander of the Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas Brigade, was detained the previous night. The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters. A statement from the Popular Mobilization Forces says four Baghdad offices of al-Khafaji’s group were closed because they were located in residential neighborhoods. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press.

Source: Washington Post February 09, 2019 05:37 UTC