Iraq weapons regulation faces another major challenge after the Iran-aligned armed group Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada announced 10 conditions for cooperating with Baghdad’s efforts to place weapons under state control.
In a statement released on Saturday, the group said it would consider regulating its weapons only if the government fulfilled a series of political, military, and security demands.
Most notably, the group demanded the complete withdrawal of US forces from Iraq. It also called for Turkish troops to leave border areas in the Kurdistan Region.
Furthermore, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada demanded the final expulsion of Kurdistan Workers’ Party fighters from Iraqi territory.
The announcement comes as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government increases pressure on armed factions to disarm. Baghdad has set September 30 as a deadline for groups to surrender weapons outside state control.
The government considers Iraq weapons regulation a central part of its wider effort to strengthen state authority and limit the influence of armed factions.
However, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada argued that its weapons emerged because of genuine security threats. The group said carrying weapons was not an unnecessary choice, but a response to circumstances and challenges facing Iraq.
It also warned that armed groups could resume military activities if future circumstances required such action.
Among its conditions, the group demanded legislation regulating the Popular Mobilization Forces. It said the law should protect the rights of fighters, wounded members, and families of those killed.
Additionally, the group called for greater support, equipment, and organizational authority for the PMF.
The statement also demanded full federal control over Iraqi territory and stronger air defense systems operating exclusively under Iraqi authority.
Meanwhile, several conditions focused directly on security arrangements in the Kurdistan Region.
The group called for Iraqi forces to assume greater control over borders in the Region. It also demanded that Baghdad manage all border crossings.
Moreover, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada demanded the removal of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups from the Kurdistan Region. It argued that Iraqi territory should not serve as a base for attacks against neighboring countries.
The group also called for Iraq to reduce what it described as American influence over economic and political decision-making. It further accused the US Embassy of interfering in Iraq’s internal affairs.
These demands come amid continuing disagreement over Baghdad’s disarmament initiative. Several Iran-aligned factions have resisted calls for complete disarmament and reportedly proposed freezing their weapons and military activities temporarily.
However, such proposals would allow the organizations to remain intact as separate armed structures.
The September 30 deadline also coincides with the planned completion of the withdrawal of foreign forces operating under the US-led coalition against the Islamic State group.
As a result, armed factions have increasingly connected Iraq weapons regulation with the continued presence of foreign military forces.
The issue has also created further tensions between Baghdad and Erbil. The Kurdistan Region has faced repeated drone and rocket attacks targeting energy facilities, military locations, and residential areas.
Kurdish authorities have repeatedly urged Baghdad to prevent Iraqi territory from becoming a platform for attacks against the Region.
Meanwhile, Erbil continues to reject calls affecting the status of the Peshmerga. Kurdish officials stress that the force remains an official and constitutionally recognized security institution.
Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada’s latest demands now place additional pressure on Baghdad as the September 30 deadline approaches.
