The committee established by order of Ali al-Zaidi, Iraq’s Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to restrict weapons to state control has officially begun its work. The committee includes representatives from several ministries as well as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

Formed in Response to the Supreme Religious Authority’s Call

Sabah al-Numan, military spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, stated that the committee was formed through an entirely Iraqi decision.

He said the step comes in direct response to the call of the Supreme Religious Authority and is a key part of the government’s ministerial agenda and policy aimed at ensuring weapons remain exclusively under state control and unifying the national security framework.

Mechanisms for Handing Over Weapons and Ammunition

Al-Numan explained that the committee is establishing precise mechanisms to manage the integration and coordination of the designated armed groups.

This includes overseeing the formal handover of weapons, ammunition, and military camps to the official Iraqi security authorities.

Comprehensive Inventory Report Due Within Two Days

According to al-Numan, all weapons and ammunition will be handed over to the Central Committee and Iraqi security authorities. He noted that a comprehensive inventory report will be submitted to the Central Committee within two days.

The committee operates under the direct supervision and follow-up of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Ministries and Security Institutions Represented on the Committee

Al-Numan revealed that the Central Committee includes representatives from the Ministries of Defense and Interior, the Joint Operations Command, and the PMF Commission.

He added that the committee is developing mechanisms to complete the entire process within a record timeframe to ensure it is carried out without delay.

He further emphasized that the term “severing ties” refers to redefining administrative frameworks and restructuring the designated groups within official security institutions, ensuring that their fighters are integrated directly into the formal military structure.