Iraq Says Disarmament Process Underway as Armed Factions Begin Integration Into State Forces

Peregraf- Iraq's government said the process of integrating armed factions into state institutions and restricting weapons to state control is already underway, with officials confirming that implementation began last Thursday through a series of executive orders and military committees.

Sabah al-Numan, spokesman for Iraq's commander-in-chief of the armed forces, announced that a Diwani Order had established a supreme committee tasked with overseeing the collection of unauthorized weapons, ending armed activity outside state institutions, and dismantling political affiliations within military formations.

"The committee has commenced its sovereign duties by establishing binding military mechanisms and frameworks to end armed presence and collect weapons," al-Numan said.

Saraya al-Salam Integration Begins

The most advanced stage of the process has involved Saraya al-Salam, the armed wing of the National Shiite Movement led by cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, whose leadership announced on May 27 that the group would separate from the movement and integrate into state security institutions.

Lieutenant General Qais al-Muhammadawi, Deputy Commander of Iraq's Joint Operations Command, said authorities had received complete personnel, weapons, and equipment records from Saraya al-Salam and begun official integration procedures.

An official ceremony was held Thursday morning transferring responsibility for the group's security file to the Samarra Operations Command.

Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq Joins Initiative

The effort has since expanded to include Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, whose Secretary-General Qais al-Khazali announced the formation of a committee to inventory personnel, weapons, vehicles, and military equipment as part of plans to sever the group's organizational ties with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi met delegations from Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and the Imam Ali Brigades and agreed to establish a joint committee to develop mechanisms for implementing the disengagement process.

Government Pushes State Monopoly on Arms

According to Iraqi officials, operational control, troop movements, and weapons systems will ultimately fall under the exclusive authority of the commander-in-chief through official security institutions.

The government says the initiative is supported by Iraq's religious authority and political leadership and is intended to strengthen state sovereignty, reduce armed political influence, and reinforce security stability.

The moves represent one of the most significant attempts in recent years to place major PMF-linked factions under direct state authority and establish a state monopoly over weapons.