The spokesperson for the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq, Karim al-Noori, denounced the allegations that his organization was responsible for the kidnapping of Qatari hunters, emphasizing that the PMF’s primary goal is to protect the people of Iraq and all those who visit the country.
In a telephone interview with the German News Agency from Cairo, al-Noori said, “Everyone should understand that the PMF has no presence in the Samawah desert in the Al-Muthanna Governorate (southern Iraq) where these hunters were kidnapped. The PMF is fighting in Ramadi and is present in Salah al-Din and Baiji. This area is outside the PMF’s control, and it has no followers there.”
He added, “Unfortunately, criminal gangs have become accustomed to carrying out kidnappings and extortion in the name of the PMF. However, we have no connection to this case. On the contrary, if we were present in this area, we would have intervened and prevented the kidnapping of these hunters. Therefore, I reiterate that the allegations against us are unacceptable.”
Earlier, media reports stated that the missing Qataris in southern Iraq were kidnapped by armed men affiliated with the Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas Brigades, one of the factions of the PMF.
Regarding the extent to which the leadership of the Badr Organization, led by Hadi al-Amiri, one of the most prominent leaders of the PMF, is involved in the negotiation process with the kidnappers through intermediaries, he said, “Perhaps if (al-Amiri) is there, it is to help identify the kidnappers and try to release the hostages, meaning that he is participating in a positive way. This is a humanitarian and ethical issue.”
He stressed, “Regardless of the nationality of the hostages, whether Qatari or not, they entered Iraqi territory and became guests of the country. Therefore, we reject any harm or extortion against them, and we will never tolerate those who committed this act.”
He affirmed that “his organization will not hesitate, if it has information, to follow up on the case of the missing hunters, and it will also not hesitate to hold accountable those who committed this criminal act, which is considered a provocation and a disruption to Iraq’s security. However, unfortunately, we do not have any information because the incident occurred in a vast desert area where the PMF has no presence and is not aware of the details.”