Iraq revealed on Monday that the national database for arms control and regulation in the country includes approximately 6 million pieces of weaponry. Authorities also announced the closure of 71 fake headquarters that falsely claimed affiliation with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), along with shutting down 119 gun shops, including several with expired licenses.
اضافة اعلان
The Iraqi Ministry of Interior confirmed that the country's security situation is experiencing marked stability, pointing to a significant drop in crime rates—particularly in the capital, Baghdad. The ministry stressed that the state maintains full control over the security file and that no armed conflicts exist within the country.
The ministry stated that all weapons in Iraq will ultimately come under state control as part of government measures aimed at regulating firearms, restricting ownership, and preventing armed presence outside official state institutions.
It added that security in the country has reached what it described as optimal levels, with security forces continuously working to bolster stability and counter any threats that could impact citizen safety.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated that there are currently no armed conflicts in Iraq, emphasizing that government agencies possess the full capacity to manage the security situation and handle any attempts to undermine stability.
In a related context, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning against launching any drones from Iraqi territory without obtaining official authorization. It stressed that any unauthorized drone operation from within Iraqi borders will be treated as an act of terrorism, and the necessary legal and security measures will be taken against those responsible.
The spokesperson for the National Committee for Regulating and Restricting Weapons to State Control in Baghdad stated that the committee operates pursuant to National Security Council Resolution No. 21 of 2018. The implementation of the national weapons control policy began in January 2023, structured around four primary phases.
The first phase involves preparing the database and establishing the information bank; the second focuses on registering citizens' firearms; the third covers search, inspection, and seizure operations; while the fourth phase centers on achieving sustainable security and development, with all stages scheduled for completion by 2030.
The spokesperson clarified that the committee operates under the auspices of the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, led by the Ministry of Interior via its Undersecretary. The executive team is headed by a representative from the Supreme Judicial Council, with participation from security agencies, civil ministries, religious endowments, independent commissions, and the Iraqi Media Network.
He noted that the committee's mission is to regulate firearm ownership, curb armed displays, enhance security, support economic development, and protect financial activity, emphasizing that this is the first time the size of the database—encompassing 6 million weapons—has been publicly announced.
As part of its enforcement measures, the committee has so far shut down 71 fraudulent headquarters claiming ties to the Popular Mobilization Forces, alongside closing 119 weapons retail shops, including those with expired permits.
The Ministry of Interior urged citizens to expedite the registration of their weapons before the set deadline, warning that any unregistered firearm remaining after the expiration period—unless extended—will be classified as illegal and subjected to standard legal procedures.
