Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi on Thursday set June 30, 2027 as the deadline for completing efforts to bring the weapons of armed factions under state control, declaring October 1 the “serious beginning” of efforts to address the issue of weapons outside government authority.
اضافة اعلان
In a statement published by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), coinciding with the end of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq and the withdrawal of its forces from the country, Al-Zaidi said his government would follow a “clear roadmap and agreed timelines” to address the weapons issue, with the process to be completed no later than June 30, 2027.
He said the plan is based on a constitutional principle that reserves decisions on war and peace for the constitutional authorities and prohibits military action outside the framework of the state.
Disarming Non-Iraqi Armed Groups
Al-Zaidi said the government would work to “disarm all non-Iraqi armed groups” operating on Iraqi territory in order to safeguard the country’s security and stability and strengthen control over its borders.
He added that Baghdad was committed to preventing Iraqi territory and airspace from being used as “a launch point or transit route for any action threatening the security of neighboring countries.” Iraq also rejects the use of the territory or airspace of other countries to launch attacks against Iraq.
The announcement forms part of a phased plan to bring weapons under state control. It will begin with a 90-day phase, followed by the gradual handover of weapons, with the process scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2027.
Strengthening Air Defense and Enacting Mobilization Law
The prime minister also announced that the government would begin purchasing a “complete air defense system” to strengthen the state’s ability to protect its airspace.
He also confirmed that work would proceed on legislation governing the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and defining their position within the national security system, under the command of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Al-Zaidi said the end of the international coalition’s mission marked the beginning of a new phase for Iraq, calling for state resources to be directed toward development, improving public services and strengthening stability.
The weapons-control plan comes as Baghdad seeks to reorganize relations between armed factions and state institutions, amid discussions over mechanisms for handing over weapons and integrating faction members into state institutions.
