Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi announces comprehensive plans to control unauthorized weapons and completely disarm non-Iraqi armed groups

Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi affirmed on Thursday that October 1 marks an earnest and decisive beginning toward resolving the issue of weapons circulating outside state authority, revealing that the federal government will promptly begin procuring a comprehensive air defense system and moving forward with the enactment of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law. Al-Zaidi extended his congratulations to the Iraqi people on October 1, 2026, describing it as a monumental national achievement that saw the total conclusion of the international coalition's mission in Iraq. He highlighted the comprehensive and final withdrawal of foreign forces across land, sea, and airspace, thereby cementing the complete and undiminished sovereignty of the Iraqi state. The Prime Minister underscored that this overarching national sovereignty stands as a significant accomplishment celebrated by all Iraqis. He attributed this success to God Almighty and the pivotal role played by the Supreme Religious Authority, whose declaration of the Sufficiency Jihad fatwa inspired citizens to defend the homeland. He also lauded the steadfast devotion of the Iraqi public and the armed factions that formed the core frontline in confronting ISIS alongside all branches of the armed forces, effectively carrying out their duties across difficult turning points in the nation's history. Furthermore, Al-Zaidi stressed that October 1, 2026, initiates an uncompromising process to eliminate illegal weapons and fulfill constitutional mandates. This process follows a well-defined roadmap with agreed schedules concluding no later than June 30, 2027, strictly upholding the constitutional prerogative granting the decisions of war and peace solely to legitimate state authorities. He confirmed that the government will act constitutionally to completely disarm all non-Iraqi armed groups present on national territory to guarantee public safety, preserve domestic stability, and enforce rigorous border security. In the same context, he reaffirmed the government's constitutional pledge prohibiting the use of Iraq's land or airspace as a launching pad or transit route for any hostile act threatening regional neighbors, while simultaneously rejecting the use of foreign territories or skies to attack Iraq, in adherence to mutual sovereignty, good neighborliness, and non-interference. Al-Zaidi added that authorities will bolster the nation's defense apparatus by acquiring a complete air defense shield to guarantee full airspace integrity. Simultaneously, the PMF law will be legislated to solidify its standing as an inseparable component of the formal security structure subordinate to the Commander-in-Chief. Concluding his statement, Al-Zaidi asserted that after putting an end to years of warfare, terrorism, and sovereignty violations, Iraq is stepping into a promising chapter dedicated to civil peace, economic prosperity, and sustainable development. He reiterated the state's determination to enhance public services, secure the future for coming generations, and build balanced international and regional partnerships rooted in institutional strength, rule of law, mutual respect, and shared interests.