Iraqi paramilitary group places weapons under government control

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Asaib Ahl al-Haq, a prominent Iraqi Shia Islamist political party and paramilitary organization backed by Iran, formed a committee on Tuesday to officially split from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and bring its weapons under the control of the Iraqi government.

The step reflects a larger regional and local attempt to integrate non-state armed organizations into Iraq’s official military command organizational framework.

The move took place a few days after Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr stated that his armed force, Saraya al-Salam (Peace Brigades), would break from his political movement and incorporate into governmental institutions.

The decision was made after newly appointed Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi urged all armed organizations to function under Iraq’s official institutions.

Baghdad has been facing ongoing pressure to strengthen its control over militias and restrict the power of independent armed groups.

Not every faction has supported the proposal. Harakat al-Nujaba and Kataib Hezbollah have strongly opposed demands for disarmament, claiming that their weapons are still required for what they refer to as resistance against foreign threats and regional conflicts.

Although it is politically legitimate in Baghdad, Asaib Ahl al-Haq continues to face significant international pressures. The US State Department has formally labeled the armed group as a terrorist organization.

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المصدر: Iraqi News