The story: Fissures among Iran-backed Shiite armed groups in Iraq have broken open after the claimed dismissal, and quick reinstatement, of a top official. At issue are allegations that Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) security chief Hussein Faleh—better known as Abu Zainab Al-Lami—has increasingly acted independently, and against the interests of Prime Minister Muhammad Shia’ Al-Sudani and his backers. Seemingly unresolved, the contention has reportedly left deep rifts in the PMU’s ranks.

The coverage: Reports emerged on June 26 that Lami—the head of the PMU’s Security Directorate—was dismissed from his...