The push for Iraq’s weapons under state control entered a new phase on Wednesday. A committee formed by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has officially started its work. Officials say the measures apply to every armed actor in the country without exception.
Meanwhile, one Iran-aligned faction announced several conditions before agreeing to disarm. In addition, two other powerful groups rejected the initiative and linked their stance to the continued presence of American forces in Iraq.
Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces, said Baghdad aims to ensure that only the state controls security decisions. He stressed that the process covers all groups operating outside the legal framework of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).
Furthermore, Numan said authorities expect every weapon, military camp, and piece of equipment to come under the supervision of state institutions.
Earlier in the day, al-Zaidi ordered the formation of a committee to oversee the implementation process. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, the move follows the Iraqi constitution and existing laws.
Officials believe the initiative will strengthen stability and reinforce state authority. They also hope it will help build stronger institutions capable of meeting citizens’ expectations.
Moreover, Numan explained that the process involves reorganizing fighters within official security bodies. He said the restructuring would protect their legal rights and maintain their benefits.
He also described the decision as an internal Iraqi matter. Additionally, he said the committee should receive a complete inventory of weapons and military equipment within two days.
Representatives from the Defense Ministry, Interior Ministry, Joint Operations Command, and the PMF sit on the committee.
The PMF emerged in 2014 after the Islamic State group captured large areas in northern and western Iraq. Religious authority Ali al-Sistani issued a fatwa that encouraged volunteers to join the fight against the extremist organization.
Over time, the PMF developed into a state-funded institution with around 250,000 members. However, several factions maintain close ties with Iran’s Axis of Resistance.
These groups include Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, Kata’ib Hezbollah, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada. So far, only Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq has publicly supported the initiative.
At the same time, Saraya Awliya al-Dam Brigades announced five conditions for disarmament. Spokesperson Abu Mahdi al-Jaafari said any effort concerning Iraq’s weapons under state control must protect national sovereignty.
The group called for an end to economic dependency and external political interference. It also demanded the withdrawal of all foreign military forces from Iraq.
Additionally, the faction urged authorities to acquire advanced air defense systems and radar capabilities.
Jaafari stated that his group would support Iraq’s weapons under state control if those conditions were fulfilled and effective guarantees protected Iraq’s independence.
However, representatives from two other Iran-aligned armed groups told Rudaw that they reject disarmament. They argued that the continued presence of American troops justifies keeping their weapons.
