An American representative publishes photos that he claims show the Popular Mobilization Forces desecrating the American flag

(CNN) - US Representative Joe Wilson published pictures showing the Popular Mobilization Forces “desecrating” the American flag, demanding explanations from the Iraqi government.

The pictures were published by the US representative on his page on the

He continued: "If you need more evidence that Iraq has become an Iranian province... (the Iraqi government), Zaidi, is this your opinion of America?... Free Iraq from Iran."

It is noteworthy that the Popular Mobilization Forces have been increasingly exploited by Iran to strengthen its influence in Iraq, and are mostly composed of armed Shiite factions. The Mobilization Forces were founded in 2014 with the emergence of ISIS in Iraq. At that time, the Iraqi government called on Iraqis to volunteer alongside the state forces, and included new volunteers and existing militias in the ranks of the "Popular Mobilization Forces."

The Popular Mobilization Forces played a pivotal role in defeating ISIS and restoring Iraqi lands, before it was officially integrated into state institutions during 2016.

Some powerful militias within the Popular Mobilization Forces have close ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and form part of the “axis of resistance” led by Tehran in the region, along with groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen.

These groups, supported by Tehran, have launched repeated attacks against the United States and its allies in the Middle East.