Iraq Militias Begin Handing Weapons To Government

In a significant development, two influential Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have announced their intention to turn in their weapons to the government. This move aligns with efforts by the new administration to control militias that were previously operating independently despite being under nominal state command.

Asaib Ahl al-Haq is one of the groups involved in this initiative. It has established a committee to manage the handover, keeping track of its personnel, arsenal, and resources. The group claims the decision follows appeals from Iraq’s leading Shiite authority and the Iran-aligned Coordination Framework, the largest faction in the Iraqi Parliament.

The Imam Ali Brigades echoed Asaib Ahl al-Haq’s sentiments, declaring their intent to contribute to a sovereign state by ensuring weapons are exclusively held by state authorities. This marks a pivotal moment as Iraq navigates through challenges exacerbated by the recent escalation in the Middle East.

The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel targeted Iran militarily. The unfolding situation has highlighted weaknesses in Iraq’s state institutions and their struggle to manage Iranian-affiliated groups.

A concurrent clash between the U.S. and these militias has intensified the situation, with factions acting as proxies in Iran’s regional agenda. This led to increased assaults on U.S. interests in Iraq until a conditional ceasefire was agreed upon in April.

Recently, influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr declared that his Saraya al-Salam militia, also known as the Peace Brigades, would dissociate from his political activities and integrate into official state roles.

Under pressure from Washington, Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, recently sworn in at 40 years old, has been pushing for a state-focused armament policy. His administration’s strategy centers on establishing exclusive state control over arms.

The U.S. administration, led by Trump, has emphasized the necessity of disassociating the Iraqi government from any Iranian-influenced groups, linking defense grants and collaboration to these efforts. Despite state budgetary financing, many Iranian-supported militias operate within the security network but lack direct government regulation.

This situation has prompted criticism from the U.S. and other nations enduring attacks orchestrated by these militias. They argue Baghdad hasn’t adequately addressed the issue of armed factions.

Conversely, some groups affiliated with Iraq’s Coordination Framework oppose the transfer of weapons to state supervision. Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba stand firm against disarmament, associating the matter with Iraq’s sovereignty and foreign troop presence.

While Kataib Hezbollah encouraged other factions moving toward state oversight of arms, it maintained its stance on continuing what it brands as “resistance work.” The group proposed coordination with the state-supported Popular Mobilization Forces instead of relinquishing its military capabilities.

Formed in 2014 to combat the Sunni militant Islamic State group, which had claimed expansive Iraqi territories, the Popular Mobilization Forces consists mainly of Shiite armed groups, maintaining individual commands and connections to Iran.