Speaking to the press from the holy Shiite city of Najaf on Wednesday, Qais Khazali claimed that “the Islamic State is a tool to reshape the Middle East geopolitics” and alleged that Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are trying to dissolve the unity of Iraq.
Among other controversial remarks, Khazali added that “The majority of Iraqi Sunnis are with a unified Iraq.”
Khazali was captured by the US and detained in 2007 at the prison known as Camp Cropper. He was extensively questioned by US intelligence at that time.
Now a key leader commanding Shiite forces against ISIS, Khazali also named Washington as one of the players trying to divide Iraq.
“The project of the US Congressional bill is a clear attempt against Iraq’s sovereignty and a step to dissolve the country,” said Khazali, referring to a draft military bill that calls on the White House to directly arm and assist the Kurdistan Regional Government in its war with Islamic State.
The bill is to be voted on next week, according to reports. US Vice President Joe Biden has reportedly assured Iraqi Prime Minster Haider al-Abadi that any arms shipments to local forces will be passed through Baghdad and Washington's respect Iraq’s sovereignty and unity was still in effect.
Asaib Ahl al-Haq was estimated to have as many as 10,000 fighters in 2014, and is considered one of the most significant Shiite militias operating in Iraq.
