Muqtada al-Sadr Calls for State Control of Weapons
At a Glance
- Al-Sadr criticizes armed militias
- Calls for weapons under state control
- Says militia actions cost security force lives
- Offers condolences to victims' families
Influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has blamed what he described as the "insolent acts" of militias and the failure to place all weapons under state control for the deaths of members of the Popular Mobilization Forces and Iraqi security forces.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- Criticism of militias: Al-Sadr said militia actions have contributed to the deaths of PMF and security personnel.
- State control of weapons: He renewed his call for restricting weapons exclusively to the state.
- Criticism of militia leaders: He said senior militia leaders remain safe while others bear the consequences.
- Message of condolence: Al-Sadr expressed sympathy for the families of those killed.
Al-Sadr Criticizes Militias
In a statement published on his verified account, Muqtada al-Sadr said the "insolent acts of the militias" and the continued failure to restrict weapons to the hands of the state have been responsible for what he described as the unjust deaths of members of the Popular Mobilization Forces and Iraqi security forces.
He also criticized militia leaders, saying they remain "in safety, comfort, and commerce" while others lose their lives.
Al-Sadr urged an end to what he described as "unilateral and irrational behaviors," reiterating his longstanding position that weapons should be under the exclusive control of the Iraqi state.
The cleric offered prayers for those killed and expressed condolences to their families.
He also said, "No condolences shall be extended to those whose actions caused their loss."
The statement concluded with a prayer asking God to protect Iraq from evil and harmful actions.
FYI
Al-Sadr has repeatedly called for all weapons in Iraq to be placed under the authority of the state and has frequently criticized the role of armed groups operating outside official command structures. His latest remarks come amid renewed security tensions and debate over the future role of armed factions in Iraq.
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