Iraqi Popular Forces' Figure Calls on US to Apologize for Irresponsible Remarks

Al-Ameri who is head of the Badr Organization in a statement released on Monday evening had urged the Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to avoid receiving Tillerson until he apologizes for the remarks.

Meantime, Iraq's Prime Minister defended the popular forces during talks with Tillerson and described the Hashad al-Shaabi as "a hope for Iraq and the region".

Abadi said that "Hashd al-Shaabi forces should be encouraged."

The fighters "defended their country and sacrificed themselves to defeat the Daesh (also ISIL) group", the Iraqi prime minister’s office quoted him in a statement.

Mr Tillerson held talks with Mr Abadi in Baghdad late on Monday, a day after the two men spoke during regional talks in Saudi Arabia.

Tillerson had told reporters recently that it was time for the Iraqi popular forces to "go home" now that the battle against Daesh (Also known as ISIS or ISIL) was "coming to a close".