The Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), 'Hashed al-Shaabi' in Arabic, the target of last night's attack in Iraq, are a Shiite militia formed in the State almost 10 years ago with an anti-ISIS function and have become a powerful force of pressure on the Iran on Iraqi affairs. It is estimated that approximately 230,000 fighters are part of it, divided into various provincial commands.
Officially created in June 2014 by the then Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki in the days when Islamic State militants easily captured Mossul, the PMs bring together various pre-existing Shiite military groups, all dedicated to the fight against Sunni jihadists. It brings together 67 armed factions, the vast majority Shiite, but also with some Sunni and Yazidi elements.