Iraqi militia commander freed after arrest stoked tensions

An Iraqi militia commander whose arrest last month sparked a standoff between government and paramilitary groups was freed Wednesday after a judge ordered his release.

release of Qassim Mahmoud Musleh came as Iranian General Esmail Ghaani, he of expeditionary Quds Force, arrived in Baghd to meet with militia and political leers, two Shiite political officials said.

officials said meeting was to dress ongoing tensions between government and some militia groups linked to Iran following Musleh's arrest.

officials spoke on condition of anonymity because y were not authorized to speak to media.

Supporters of Musleh greeted him with hugs and kisses on Baghd's central Jriya Bridge after his release, taking photos and videos with him to celebrate.

Two Iraqi officials said Musleh was released at 8 a.m. and he returned to sourn city of Karbala, his hometown, where supporters also greeted him.

Musleh is he of Popular Mobilization Forces in Anbar province.

He was arrested May 27 on terrorism charges following a judicial investigation. His release was ordered by an investigative judge within PMF, to whom his case file h been sent, two Iraqi officials said.

y said release was based on insufficient evidence. y spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

PMF is a state-sanctioned group comprised of an array of militias formed to battle Islamic State group in 2014. Among most powerful members of group are Iran-backed Shiite militia groups.

ir growing clout within Iraq has troubled Western, especially US officials and presented an ongoing challenge for Iraq's government.