Iraq says Iran-backed militia group excluded from weapons restriction policy

 

Iraq’s policy of restricting weapons to state control applies to armed groups operating outside official security institutions and not to the Popular Mobilization Forces, Security Media Cell chief Saad Maan said Saturday, referring to Tehran-backed Shiite militias.

“The Popular Mobilization Forces are part of the Iraqi armed forces, and their members are subject to the military laws in force,” Maan told the Iraqi News Agency. He said the policy targets entities outside state security institutions and is intended to prevent any parallel command from using weapons beyond the framework of the state.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi this week ordered the preparation of a draft law to restrict weapons to the state, saying the proliferation of arms was the most serious threat to state authority.

IRGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani also visited Baghdad this week and urged Iran-backed factions to keep their weapons, Al Hadath reported, citing sources.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202608151344