Iraqi Shiite militia detains commander who criticized Iran

BAGHDAD – An official with the Iraqi government-sanctioned umbrella of mainly Shiite paramilitary groups says a militia commander was arrested after he criticized Iran’s influence in the country.

The official from the Popular Mobilization Forces said on Friday that Aws al-Khafaji, commander of the Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas Brigade, was detained the previous night.

The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters.

Al-Khafaji had earlier told a local TV station that Iraqis should not only oppose American and Turkish presence in Iraq but also Iran’s interference.

A statement from the Popular Mobilization Forces says four Baghdad offices of al-Khafaji’s group were closed because they were located in residential neighbourhoods. It said members were arrested after rejecting the closure.