Discussions over Hashd Al-Shaabi militia becoming an official part of the Iraqi security forces have been continuing for a while. Last year, the Iraqi parliament approved such a resolution despite opposition from the Sunni bloc and the Kurds.

In spite of reactions, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has signed a decree for the militia to become an official part of the Iraqi army.

Accordingly, the militia will be granted many rights possessed by other members of the army. The militia will get the same salary, be subjected to same laws with regard to military services and have the right to be present in military institutions and colleges.

It grabs attention that Abadi signed the decree two months before May’s elections.

Hashd Al-Shaabi militia was established as part of the fight against ISIS. Acting with the Iraqi army, the militia is accused of committing human rights violations in several regions, which forms the basis of the opposition by the Sunnis and the Kurds.

The Shiite militia also caused tensions between Washington and Baghdad as Washington demanded that the militia return home, facing an objection from Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi.