Iraq (MNN) — ISIS was defeated in Iraq 18 months ago. However, the Nineveh Plains has another problem—the local Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Shiite militia.

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By Bethann FlynnAugust 14, 2019

Nineveh Plains Christians

To the north of the Nineveh Plains sits the Kurds, and to the east is Iran. To the south and west is the rest of Iraq. Due to the geography, Christians in this region have historically been trapped between the three forces. Now, the militia in this area has taken it upon itself to enforce the rule of the land.

In efforts to disentangle the militia from Iranian influence, Iraq’s prime minister recently issued an executive order. The order is meant to integrate the militia with Iraq’s formal armed forces, but it could end up impacting local Christians.

“You have this central government that has never stood up for this minority that is lived there for centuries. So, whenever there’s a problem with ISIS or whatever, it always seems to start in the same area, that’s no accident. It’s because the central government is either weak or is unable or unwilling to stand up for the Christian minorities,” Dr. David Curry with Open Doors USA explains.

“These militias gain in strength. They want to take over territory, or they become a law unto themselves. So, it’s continually happened, what we what we’d like to see is for the Iraqi government to stand up for the Christian minorities.”

Since ISIS was pushed out of the area, some Christians have returned to their homes. However, the Christian population in the region is a fraction of what it was before ISIS. Curry believes some Christians are postponing their return while waiting to see if the central government will protect Christians in the Nineveh Plains. They also want to determine that ISIS fighters really are clear of the area.