The Secretary-General of Kataib Hezbollah, Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, called for the highest level of readiness this Friday. He emphasized this amid rising pressure on Iraq and Lebanon to disarm powerful armed groups. His remarks came during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, which honors the third Shia Imam, Hussein bin Ali.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General in Lebanon, Naeem Qassem, declared that his movement “will never hand over its weapons.” Qassem also vowed to fight Israel “until death.” These statements underline growing tensions in the region.
In Iraq, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) face renewed scrutiny. Parliament struggles to pass laws regulating the PMF’s authority. Officials say the United States opposes such legislation.
Al-Hamidawi connected the disarmament push to regional conflicts. He mentioned the fall of the Syrian government to terrorist factions led by Syrian transitional president Ahmad al-Sharaa. He also highlighted the “US-Israeli” assault on Yemen and what he called a “treacherous” campaign against Iran. According to him, international institutions act under “Zionist and Masonic” influence.
He stressed that resisting occupation and deterring aggression is a legitimate right. He argued that weapons serve as a shield to protect land, people, and religious sites.
Al-Hamidawi urged boosting weapon arsenals with advanced technology. He also called for improved technical skills and raising defensive and offensive readiness. He said, “The weapons of people remain their safeguard.”
Finally, he reaffirmed that supporting the oppressed remains a core mission. The Palestinian cause, he said, is central. He pledged readiness to “cleanse our holy sites from the defilement of the Zionists.”
Moreover, Al-Hamidawi’s call for heightened vigilance clearly reflects broader concerns among armed groups across the region. Meanwhile, as governments and international powers continue to push for disarmament, these factions strongly emphasize the crucial role of their weapons in maintaining both security and influence.
The ongoing debate highlights deep divisions over sovereignty, security, and regional power dynamics. With tensions rising, the future of disarmament efforts remains uncertain.
