Najaf: Imam and Friday prayer preacher Sadr al-Din al-Qabanji criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s characterization of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) as a terrorist organization, asserting that the statement aimed to undermine Iraq’s political process. Al-Qabanji’s remarks were made during a political sermon delivered in Najaf.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Qabanji began his sermon by offering condolences to the people of Kut, calling for further investigations, prosecutions for negligence, and compensation for the victims’ families. He noted that the incident bore question marks that needed addressing. He extended gratitude to countries offering condolences, highlighting Iran’s contribution of top medical expertise to treat the wounded.

Al-Qabanji also commended the Civil Defense in Najaf for successfully extinguishing a recent fire in the province. Addressing Erdogan’s statement on the PMF, al-Qabanji stated, “Turkish President Erdogan declared that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) is a terrorist organization because it is supported by Iran. We say that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) is a government organization with its own system of government, including weapons, salaries, and security plans.”

He further criticized the assertion that Iranian support, which includes gas supply and support against ISIS, could be considered terrorist activities. Al-Qabanji concluded by emphasizing that Erdogan’s statement aimed to destabilize Iraq’s political landscape.