Iraqi PM Meets Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq and Imam Ali Brigades, Forms Committee to Advance PMF Disengagement

Peregraf — Ali Faleh al-Zaidi met Today with delegations from Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq and Imam Ali Brigades, as Iraq moves forward with efforts to place armed groups under state authority and reduce their organizational links to the Popular Mobilization Forces.

According to the Prime Minister’s Media Office, Zaidi praised the positions taken by Qais al-Khazali and Shibel al-Zaidi, describing their support for restricting weapons to the state and operating under the authority of official institutions as an important contribution to state-building efforts. 

Joint Committee Formed

During the meeting, the parties agreed to establish a joint committee tasked with developing mechanisms for implementing the disengagement process from the PMF and restricting arms to state authority.

The committee is expected to present implementation measures within two days.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the process will be carried out in accordance with Iraq’s constitution and laws, with the goal of strengthening state authority and supporting security and stability.

Zaidi: Iraq Entering New Phase

The Iraqi prime minister said the country is experiencing an important transition following years of improved security conditions.

He argued that the current period should focus on reconstruction, development, and strengthening state institutions rather than security crises.

Zaidi also praised the sacrifices made by Iraq’s armed forces and security agencies in confronting threats to the state.

At the same time, he said the PMF had played an important role in achieving security stability and that its members remain an essential part of Iraq’s reconstruction and development efforts.

Part of Wider Push to Restrict Weapons to the State

The meeting comes one day after Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq announced the formation of a central committee to oversee plans to sever organizational ties with the PMF and place its military capabilities under direct state authority.

The group said it would inventory personnel, weapons, vehicles, and equipment while establishing direct command links with the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

The initiative followed a similar move by Muqtada al-Sadr, who recently ordered the separation of Saraya al-Salam from his political movement and called for its full integration into state institutions.

Growing Momentum for Integration

Zaidi has publicly welcomed both initiatives and repeatedly called on all armed factions to operate under the umbrella of the state.

The developments represent some of the most significant public commitments by major PMF-linked factions to align themselves more closely with state institutions, amid ongoing debates over weapons, sovereignty, and the future role of armed groups in Iraq.