Oil smuggling probe in Jurf Al-Sakhar tests Baghdad’s power over Iran-backed militias – analysis

Iraq investigated illegal oil smuggling that appeared to be taking place from an Iranian-backed militia stronghold.A report at Asharq Al-Awsat explained some of what is happening and noted that “an Iraqi security committee began investigating suspected fuel smuggling in Jurf Al-Sakhar, north of the Babil province, on Friday, amid mounting tensions between the government and Kataib Hezbollah over the area and efforts to bring weapons under state control.”This could be a turning point for Iraq. Iraq sent troops to the area over the weekend. However, it's unclear whether Baghdad has the power to finally deal with the militias and their state-within-a-state economic and military empire.Will militias try to dominate the investigation?“Footage showed a large military deployment before committee members met commanders believed to be from the pro-Iran Kataib Hezbollah. Sabereen News, an outlet close to armed factions, broadcast a Kataib Hezbollah commander addressing Interior Ministry officers,” Asharq noted.The question is whether the militias will try to dominate the investigation, essentially investigating themselves. Security Media Cell chief Saad Maan denied that the militias were involved.A security source told Shafaq News that the committee conducted an initial inspection. “Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi formed the committee Thursday, placing it under the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).