The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have ousted Abu Zeinab al-Lami from his role as head of their security unit, a move that highlights his influential standing within the organization.
“The head of the PMF has removed Abu Zeinab al-Lami from his role as head of security and discipline directorate,” sources said Thursday.
“Ali al-Zaidi, deputy director of PMF security, has been appointed temporarily in his place,” they added.
Later Thursday, sources suggested the PMF rescinded al-Lami’s dismissal, which he reportedly contested.
Sources familiar with al-Lami’s role reveal that he made significant decisions without consulting PMF leader Falih al-Fayyadh or Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, al-Lami’s dismissal has caused a major shake-up within the PMF, exposing internal and external loyalty conflicts among its factions, influenced heavily by Iran’s supreme leader.
Reports suggest al-Sudani issued the dismissal, but informed sources suggest it was orchestrated by Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, with the prime minister’s approval.
Sources speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat state that the dismissal stems from deep divisions between Kata’ib Hezbollah and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, with the latter aiming to take full control of the PMF.
Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq reportedly seeks to remove PMF leader Falih al-Fayyadh and is angered by al-Lami’s alleged role in attacks on American restaurants in Baghdad.
Last May, three KFC restaurants, owned by American food chains, were bombed in protest against US support for Israel during its Gaza conflict with Palestinians.
Hussein Falah, also known as al-Lami, rose to prominence during Iraq’s October 2019 protests, where sources accused him of leading a sniper unit targeting demonstrators.
For several years, al-Lami has overseen security within the PMF, responsible for disciplining leaders who defy orders.
Apart from his PMF role, al-Lami is a senior figure in Kata’ib Hezbollah, designated a US terrorist organization. Washington has sanctioned him for alleged involvement in the October protests.
A Reuters report from late 2019 described al-Lami as “highly influential and widely feared,” with direct communication links to the late Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps leader Qassem Soleimani.
