Iraq allows Iran-backed Shi'ite militia umbrella group to respond to attacks on their positions

March 24 (Reuters) - Iraq's National Security Council has authorised the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a mostly Iranian-backed coalition of Shi'ite armed groups, to exercise the right of self-defence and respond to any attacks targeting their positions, state media reported on Tuesday.

The green light from the National Security Council, chaired by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, followed a deadly attack on PMF headquarters that killed at least 15 fighters, including a commander.