Iraqi PM issues decree curbing powers of Iran-allied militias

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi issued on Monday a decree heavily curbing the powers of mostly Iran-backed Shi'ite militia groups and forcing them to further integrate into the country's formal armed forces.

The militias, which helped Iraqi and U.S. led international coalition forces defeat Islamic State militants, have a lot of influence in Iraqi politics.

Abdul Mahdi's decree integrates paramilitary units into the military and forces groups to pick between political or military activity. Groups have until July 31 to abide by the new regulations, the decree said.

(Reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein; Editing by Mark Potter)