Iraqi Government Establishes High Committee to Disengage PMF and Consolidate Weapons Under State Control

The office of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi announced today, Wednesday, the formation of a joint committee. Its mandate is to establish mechanisms for disengaging from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and consolidating weapons under state control. This announcement followed a meeting where Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, received delegations from the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq movement and the Imam Ali Brigades. During the encounter, Al-Zaidi expressed gratitude to Qais Al-Khazali and Shibl Al-Zaidi for their responsible stance and contribution to state-building. He noted their responsiveness to the Supreme Religious Authority's directives and their support for the government's program to place all weapons under state command and integrate into national structures. The Prime Minister emphasized that Iraq now experiences significant security stability, marking a critical transition towards comprehensive reconstruction and development. This phase demands united efforts from all Iraqis to foster national progress and solidify state institutions. Al-Zaidi commended the immense sacrifices made by the armed forces and security agencies, across all formations, in countering threats to Iraq's existence. He underscored the PMF's pivotal role in achieving security stability, affirming its members as fundamental to the nation's ongoing construction and development, alongside other state bodies. The statement concluded that the joint committee, established during the meeting, will devise suitable procedures for PMF disengagement and state weapon control within the next two days. These measures will align with the constitution and law, bolster state authority, and contribute to enhancing security, stability, and the vision of a strong Iraqi state capable of meeting its citizens' aspirations.