Are ex-ISIS fighters joining Popular Mobilization Unit militias in Iraq?

A few ex-ISIS fighters joined the Popular Mobilization Unit militias (PMU) in Iraq, according to a report by Foreign Policy. As the first anniversary of the Iraqi forces victory against ISIS nears, the terrorist organization’s remnants are trying to exploit security gaps in some areas that are not very far from the capital Baghdad.

ISIS fighters were welcomed back by PMU militias, whose factions, the Badr Organization and Asaib Ahl al-Haq, took in 30 and 40 ISIS fighters from the Jalawla town in the Diyala governorate, the American magazine reported.

Enemies in the past have joined forces now, with both parties seemingly benefiting, but according to Foreign Policy, the end result is likely to be bad for Iraq.

Shouldthese forces join, factions of the PMU militias get to expand into Sunni areas, while ISIS fighters get to re-enter Iraqi society.

A leader in the PMU militias denied the news, saying that they were indeed looking to recruit fighters, and ISIS members did apply, but they were rejected following background checks done by the PMU.