Prime Minister Announces Sinjar Factions to Hand Over Weapons, State Control

Prime Minister Announces Sinjar Factions to Hand Over Weapons, State Control Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, announced today, Friday, that Sinjar resistance factions will commence handing over their weapons to the state. He affirmed that Mount Sinjar will be under the full authority of the federal government and its security and administrative institutions. A statement from the Prime Minister's Media Office indicated that al-Zaidi received a delegation including the leadership of the Yazidi Cause Alliance, its parliamentary bloc head MP Murad Ismail, and commanders of the Sinjar Resistance Units. The meeting discussed the overall situation in Sinjar district, issues related to its stability, reconstruction efforts, and the future of its residents. Al-Zaidi stated in the announcement that restricting weapons to the state and unifying security decisions are fundamental for protecting residents, consolidating stability, and ensuring the district's future. He stressed the weapons handover aligns with building state institutions, protecting national decision unity, and ending multiple security authority centers. He affirmed the state would guarantee rights and sacrifices of Sinjar Resistance and Women's Units personnel, regularizing their status and integrating qualified individuals into Iraqi security institutions per legal frameworks. Discussions also covered the district's service situation, infrastructure and reconstruction project needs, victim compensation, and creating suitable conditions for displaced persons' return. Also discussed were administrative issues related to managing the district, its institutions, government departments, and the Sinjar Reconstruction Fund. Al-Zaidi explained the Yazidi component is an authentic, vital part of Iraq's diverse fabric, a source of national and human strength. He recalled the crimes and injustice suffered by Yazidis from terrorist gangs. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to justice, rights, facilitating their return, and addressing terrorism and displacement aftermath. He stressed the state would not permit Sinjar to be a conflict arena, nor accept any security or military authority outside its framework. The Prime Minister directed including Yazidis in the one million residential land plot project and creating conditions for full displaced persons' return. He also called for follow-up on Sinjar's reconstruction and service provision to stabilize the population and enhance socio-economic stability. Al-Zaidi further directed forming a high committee to study Sinjar's security and service realities, identify needs, and devise solutions. The committee will also monitor Sinjar protection personnel's integration into official security/service institutions, regularizing their legal status to strengthen state authority and support district stability. The delegation head and members expressed full support for the Prime Minister's steps, particularly regarding strengthening state authority, weapons surrender, and integrating Sinjar resistance units into official institutions, alongside combating corruption, economic reforms, and enhancing Iraq's foreign relations.