Iraq’s new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, is working to disarm Iranian-backed militias and bring their weapons under state control. The militias, part of the state-supported Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), are resisting disarmament by claiming their arms are already regulated under state authority. They are also attempting to shift the focus to disarming the Kurdish Peshmerga forces in northern Iraq, leveraging the constitutional role of the Peshmerga as an official military force. Kata’ib Hezbollah, a powerful militia, is demanding the disarmament of the Peshmerga and has issued warnings to Prime Minister Zaidi regarding his actions, which they describe as “provocative and irresponsible.” This situation escalated following the arrest of a senior PMF commander, highlighting the tensions between the Iraqi government, Iranian-backed militias, and regional Kurdish forces.
Why It Matters
The disarmament of Iranian-backed militias is crucial for Iraq’s sovereignty and stability, especially in light of Iran’s ongoing influence in the region. The Popular Mobilization Forces were formed to combat ISIS but have since become intertwined with state structures, complicating efforts to consolidate military power under the Iraqi government. The Kurdish Peshmerga’s constitutional recognition adds another layer to this dynamic, as any disarmament efforts could threaten the balance of power in the Kurdistan Region. Historically, Iranian-backed militias have sought to weaken the Kurdistan Regional Government, raising concerns about Iraq’s national unity and security amid regional tensions.
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