ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ordered an investigation into the trampling of a US flag during a Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) parade in Baghdad celebrating the withdrawal of the US-led coalition. 

Zaidi “ordered the formation of an investigative committee today, Sunday, to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident involving the US flag during one of the parades held as part of ‘Sovereignty Day’ events,” his spokesperson Sabah al-Numan said in a statement. 

In a Baghdad parade on Thursday, members of the PMF were seen carrying portraits and driving over a US flag while celebrating the withdrawal of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS). 

In the statement, Zaidi “condemned the act, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to laws and diplomatic norms” and directed those responsible to be held accountable. 

The PMF, known as Hashd al-Shaabi, was formed upon a call by Iraq’s top Shiite authority Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani soon after the Islamic State (ISIS) took over large swathes of territory in Iraq. The force has been officially incorporated into the Iraqi armed forces, enjoying similar privileges as the Iraqi army.

Many factions within the PMF also maintain strong ties to Iran. 

US Congressman Joe Wilson, a staunch Iran critic, slammed the incident in an X post on Sunday, saying the PMF, “an official division of the Iraqi government’s security services, is seen desecrating the US flag out of disrespect and praising the murderous regime in Iran.” 

The pictures of the US flag being trampled, published by Iraqi Telegram channels and the AFP news agency, could not be found on the PMF’s official media channels.