Last Updated: Iraqi Militia Commander Freed After Arrest Stoked Tensions An Iraqi militia commander whose arrest last month sparked a standoff between the government and paramilitary groups was freed Wednesday after a judge ordered his release. An Iraqi militia commander whose arrest last month sparked a standoff between the government and paramilitary groups was freed Wednesday after a judge ordered his release. The release of Qassim Mahmoud Musleh came as Iranian General Esmail Ghaani, head of the expeditionary Quds Force, arrived in Baghdad to meet with militia and political leaders, two Shiite political officials said. The officials said the meeting was to address ongoing tensions between the government and some militia groups linked to Iran following Musleh's arrest.