Iraqi armed factions demand security guarantees before disarmament

BAGHDAD, Iraq (MNTV) — Iraq’s efforts to consolidate all weapons under state authority are encountering resistance from several powerful Iran-aligned armed factions, which insist they will not disarm unless they receive guarantees protecting their security, political future and the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government has repeatedly pledged to ensure that only state security institutions possess weapons, describing the initiative as a key step toward strengthening state authority. 

The policy has received broad public backing, although officials have provided few details about progress in negotiations with armed groups.

According to sources cited by The New Arab, several factions have demanded guarantees that their leaders and members would be protected from future attacks, shielded from political or legal persecution inside Iraq, and assured that U.S. troops would eventually leave the country before they consider relinquishing their weapons.

The groups argue that disarming while regional tensions remain high would expose them to security threats.

Among the factions rejecting disarmament are Kataib Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat al-Awfiya and al-Badala, all of which are regarded as some of the most heavily armed components aligned with Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF).

The disagreement has become increasingly visible ahead of Zaidi’s expected visit to Washington. 

In recent public statements, Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba reiterated that their weapons were not open to negotiation and pledged to continue strengthening their military capabilities.

Kataib Hezbollah Secretary-General Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi reaffirmed the group’s ideological alignment with Iran, saying it remained committed to what he described as the “Islamic resistance” and its armed struggle while urging Iraqi political leaders to reject foreign influence.

Harakat al-Nujaba, led by Akram al-Kaabi, similarly declared that its position on retaining what it called the “resistance’s weapons” remained unchanged.

Not all armed factions have taken the same position. Asaib Ahl al-Haq, led by Qais al-Khazali, has announced plans to sever its ties with the PMF and transfer its weapons to the Iraqi state. 

Earlier, influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr instructed his Saraya al-Salam movement to surrender its arms as part of the government’s plan to bring all weapons under state control by Sept. 30.

Senior figures within Iraq’s Coordination Framework coalition told The New Arab that factions opposing disarmament were not seeking confrontation with the government but believed sufficient guarantees had not yet been offered.

According to one source, the groups remain concerned that, once disarmed, their leaders could become vulnerable to attacks or political targeting, citing what they view as previous failures by the United States and Israel to honor commitments.

The same source said the factions also want firm assurances that the U.S. military presence in Iraq will come to an end and that members will not face future prosecution or security measures after surrendering their weapons.

Political analyst Abdullah al-Rikabi said the differing positions reflect broader divisions within the Iran-aligned “Axis of Resistance.” 

He said factions willing to disarm appear focused on expanding their political role and reducing domestic tensions, while those refusing believe ongoing Israeli military operations and continued U.S. influence in the region make retaining their weapons essential.