Iraqi militia weapons

By Ramadan Al-Fatash and Johannes Sadek

Baghdad (dpa) — An influential Shiite militia in Iraq handed over its weapons to the country’s armed forces under a new government initiative aimed at bringing powerful armed groups under state control.

Saraya al-Salam, or the Peace Brigades, transferred its weapons on Thursday to the Iraqi Army in the city of Samarra, north of Baghdad, state news agency INA reported.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who also serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, is overseeing the implementation of the plan.

The militia was founded in 2014 by influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr following the rapid advance of the Islamic State extremist group. It is estimated to have between 20,000 and 50,000 fighters.

Although al-Sadr is allied with Iran, he has long opposed Iraq becoming fully subordinate to its powerful neighbour’s influence.

Iraqi militia weapons

Last week, al-Sadr announced that Saraya al-Salam would be fully integrated into Iraq’s state security structures. The move was widely seen as an attempt to increase pressure on political rivals and encourage allied militias to take similar steps.

On Tuesday, two other Iran-backed groups — Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib Imam Ali — also announced plans to place their weapons under state control.

However, responses from other militias have been mixed, and it remains unclear whether additional groups will follow suit. Some of Iraq’s most powerful armed factions continue to reject disarmament.

US pressure on Baghdad

Iraq is home to dozens of militias, some of which have roots stretching back decades. Through allied political parties, many wield significant influence over the government, judiciary and public services.

Iraqi militia weapons

Several of the strongest groups receive funding, training and weapons from Iran. At the same time, many are deeply embedded in Iraq’s state institutions and form part of the country’s security apparatus.

The United States has been increasing pressure on Baghdad, reportedly threatening economic sanctions unless the government begins pursuing disarmament. US forces have also carried out strikes against militia targets in Iraq.

Many of the groups have claimed responsibility for attacks on US facilities in the region since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Al-Saidi was sworn in as prime minister just three weeks ago and has made militia disarmament one of his key priorities.

US envoy Tom Barrack congratulated the Iraqi leader on the latest development, saying the move “marks only the beginning.”