Iraq’s weapons control efforts received a significant boost on Saturday. Kata’ib Hezbollah voiced support for armed groups that choose to surrender their weapons to the state. The organization also offered to help manage specialized military equipment.
The announcement came as Baghdad continued discussions with several armed factions. Officials aim to strengthen state authority and improve national security. As a result, negotiations have focused on limiting weapons to government institutions.
A spokesperson for Kata’ib Hezbollah welcomed reports that some armed groups may end their military activities. Furthermore, the group praised factions willing to hand over their weapons. According to the statement, such actions could strengthen stability and support civil peace across Iraq.
In addition, the group proposed working with the Popular Mobilization Forces command. This cooperation would help organize weapon transfers and ensure a smooth handover process. Officials believe these measures could reduce tensions and improve security conditions.
Meanwhile, the Iraq weapons control talks have continued behind the scenes. Political sources recently confirmed ongoing discussions with several factions operating outside the Popular Mobilization Forces structure. They also indicated that negotiators expect further progress after the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Kata’ib Hezbollah outlined several proposals during the latest developments. Most notably, the group offered to take responsibility for advanced military equipment. Leaders said some weapons require highly specialized skills that government agencies may not currently possess.
These weapons include drones, loitering munitions, cruise missiles, and anti-armor systems. The group also expressed willingness to purchase such equipment if necessary. Consequently, the proposal could provide a practical solution for managing advanced weapons.
Additionally, the initiative covered inventory management, transportation, and storage procedures. It also addressed support for families affected by the transition process. Leaders emphasized assistance for wounded members and relatives of those killed during previous conflicts.
The statement further stressed respect for factions that choose to disarm. Representatives encouraged unity and rejected criticism directed at groups leaving armed activities behind. They argued that transferring weapons to state institutions serves the broader national interest.
However, not every armed faction shares the same position. On Saturday, Saraya Awliya al-Dam publicly rejected calls to surrender its weapons. Group representatives stated that disarmament would not occur under current conditions.
The organization has previously claimed responsibility for attacks against alleged American-linked targets. Those incidents included drone strikes targeting facilities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. However, such attacks have become less frequent in recent weeks.
Several major Iran-aligned factions operate under the umbrella known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. The coalition emerged following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Since then, the alliance has claimed hundreds of attacks across Iraq and the wider region.
Nevertheless, Iraq’s weapons control remains a central objective for the Iraqi government. Officials continue to pursue agreements that place all military assets under state authority. If negotiations succeed, Iraq could move closer to greater stability, stronger institutions, and improved security nationwide.
