The Iraqi Ministry of Defense has announced the receipt of large quantities of weapons from several armed factions in Baghdad [1].
This effort to centralize military power is a critical step for the Iraqi government to establish internal security and reduce the influence of non-state actors. By restricting arms to state control, the government aims to create a stable environment necessary for national reconstruction, and the attraction of foreign investment.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi said on May 14, 2026, that he will work to restrict weapons to the hands of the state [2]. This directive aligns with broader goals to stabilize the capital and ensure that security forces operate under a unified command structure.
President Abdul Latif Rashid said that consolidating security is a fundamental pillar to support building and reconstruction, and to create an attractive environment for investments [1]. The administration views the presence of independent arsenals as a barrier to economic growth and long-term peace.
Despite these government efforts, the transition remains incomplete. Armed groups, including Kata'ib Hezbollah and Al-Nujaba, have reportedly refused to surrender their weaponry [1]. These groups maintain their autonomy and continue to operate outside the formal military hierarchy.
Political analyst Najm al-Qassab said that the factions refusing to hand over weapons still raise the slogan of the resistance [1]. This ideological stance presents a significant challenge to the state's authority and the Prime Minister's mandate.
The government continues to negotiate with various factions to ensure a peaceful transition of arms, though the level of cooperation varies across different militia networks [1].
“I will work to restrict weapons to the hands of the state.”
The Iraqi government's struggle to disarm independent militias highlights a persistent tension between state sovereignty and the 'resistance' identity of powerful paramilitary groups. While some factions are complying, the refusal of groups like Kata'ib Hezbollah suggests that the state may not achieve a total monopoly on force without significant political concessions or a shift in the regional security landscape.
