Iraqi authorities announced on Wednesday that they had received data on weapons belonging to a pro-Iran faction, marking a first step in a plan to integrate it and other similar groups into the state forces. The announcement came a week after two pro-Iran factions, the Kataeb Imam Ali and Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, declared they would transfer administration of their brigades in the Hashed Al-Shaabi to the state.
Background on the Hashed Al-Shaabi
The former paramilitary organization, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), is an umbrella group comprising dozens of armed factions with varying degrees of ties to Iran. Formed in 2014 following a religious call to combat the Daesh group, the Hashed was later integrated into the state armed forces.
The government's security media cell stated that Lt. Gen. Qais Al-Muhammadawi oversaw the handover of all files and data related to personnel, weapons, equipment, and vehicles previously in the possession of the Kataeb Imam Ali. This action serves as a prelude to completing the stages of integrating the faction's members into state institutions.
Integration Drive Under US Pressure
Under heavy pressure from the United States, Iraqi authorities have expressed their intention to fully integrate the member factions of the Hashed into government forces. The goal is to limit the possession of weapons solely to the state. The integration drive also aims to include brigades that currently operate outside the framework of the Hashed.
The move follows a series of attacks on US interests in Iraq by some factions within the Hashed after the onset of the Middle East war in late February. In response, the US launched strikes on several factions, an exchange that has severely strained relations between Washington and Baghdad.
Government Statement on Weapons Monopoly
On Wednesday, government spokesman Haidar Al-Aboudi stated at a press conference that the state monopoly over weapons will be achieved in a specific timeframe, though he did not disclose the exact timeline. This integration process is seen as a critical step toward stabilizing Iraq and ensuring that armed groups operate under state authority.
