Iraq sets Sept. 21 deadline for militia disarmament
Government links weapons handover to coalition withdrawal as anti-corruption campaign expands with new arrests and asset recovery
BAGHDAD, Iraq (MNTV) — Iraq has set Sept. 21 as the final deadline for armed factions to surrender their weapons to state authorities, as the government presses ahead with efforts to consolidate state control and intensify its campaign against corruption.
Government spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi said the deadline coincides with the scheduled withdrawal of the international coalition, describing the move as part of Baghdad’s broader strategy to strengthen state institutions and reinforce national sovereignty.
Al-Aboudi also confirmed that Iraq has approved Iran’s request to hold funeral ceremonies for the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the country’s holy shrines on July 8.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had earlier announced that Tehran would coordinate with Iraqi authorities on the arrangements.
On the anti-corruption front, Al-Aboudi said Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi had instructed the Finance Ministry to establish a dedicated account to receive funds recovered from individuals implicated in illicit enrichment and corruption cases.
He said the government remains committed to protecting public funds while pursuing institutional reforms and implementing a comprehensive strategy to tackle corruption.
According to the spokesperson, the latest anti-corruption operation has resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects, with security agencies continuing efforts to apprehend additional individuals linked to the investigations.
He added that confessions obtained during the probe have led investigators to wider corruption networks involving other suspects and additional financial assets.
Al-Aboudi said the current campaign differs from previous anti-corruption drives, stressing that authorities intend to continue investigations regardless of the individuals involved or political considerations, and reaffirmed that safeguarding public resources remains a constitutional responsibility.
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