The story: Iraq has increased funding for the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) in its recently-approved federal budget. Along with the expanded budget allocations, the PMU is also set to grow in terms of personnel. Against this backdrop, the Iran-backed military force has rolled out what is described as a new drone, putting further focus on the PMU’s capabilities.

The coverage: Amid the Islamic State group (IS) blitz in 2014, the PMU was established as an umbrella organization which has come to gather some 70 predominantly Shiite armed groups.

The 153B USD annual budget passed by the Iraqi parliament on June 11 is the largest in the country’s history. Uniquely, it covers 2023, 2024 and 2025. The budget grants the PMU further funding, including to cover an almost...