At a Glance

• Iraqi SMC said the disarmament campaign does not apply to the PMF.
• The initiative prevents alternative leaders from deploying weapons outside state custody.
• Three armed factions have successfully disarmed, while six groups remain active.
• Non-state armed groups must completely surrender stockpiles by September 30, 2026.

The Iraqi Security Media Cell (SMC) stated that Baghdad's disarmament campaign aims at entities operating completely outside the framework of official security institutions and does not apply to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

Key Statements and Focus Area

• The head of the Security Media Cell told state media that “the PMF is part of the security apparatus.” 
• The official noted, “The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are part of the Iraqi armed forces, and their members are subject to applicable military laws.”

SMC Head Saad Maan told the Iraqi News Agency that the weapons restriction applies exclusively to entities operating outside the framework of official state security institutions. 

“The PMF is part of the Iraqi armed forces, and according to Law No. 40 of 2016, all its members are subject to applicable military laws,” he added.

Maan emphasized that the decision to restrict weapons to the state is intended to prevent any parallel or alternative leadership from using arms outside the framework of the state.

FYI

The Iraqi government initiated a comprehensive disarmament campaign at the beginning of June 2026, aimed at consolidating all weapons under state authority. 

Since the launch of the initiative over two months ago, three armed factions have voluntarily dismantled their operations and surrendered their stockpiles, while six remaining groups have yet to disarm.

The security sweep is operating on a strict timeline tied directly to regional geopolitical shifts. September 30, 2026, serves as the definitive legal deadline for both the total disarmament of non-state factions and the final withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraq.

Baghdad has warned that the operational grace period will not be extended. Following the September 30 deadline, any ongoing militant activity or armed presence outside authorized state security bodies will be prosecuted under the national Anti-Terrorism Law.

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