Iraq: State to Monopolize Arms by June 30, 2027

Baghdad, October 1 (KUNA) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Allawi announced on Thursday the adoption of a roadmap setting June 30, 2027, as the deadline for ending the presence of weapons outside the control of the Iraqi state. In a statement, al-Allawi said, “This first day of October marks the beginning of a serious effort to address the issue of weapons outside state control and to fulfill constitutional obligations in accordance with a clear roadmap and agreed timelines that do not extend beyond June 30 of next year, in line with the constitutional principle that the decision on war and peace rests with the constitutional authorities, and to prevent any military action otherwise.” He added that, in accordance with the constitution, the government would also fully disarm all non-Iraqi armed groups present on Iraqi territory, in order to safeguard Iraq’s security and stability and secure its borders. Al-Allawi reaffirmed the government’s constitutional commitment to preventing the use of Iraqi land and airspace as a launchpad or transit route for any action that threatens the security of neighboring countries, and to rejecting the use of any country’s land or airspace to attack Iraq, based on the principles of mutual sovereignty, good neighborliness, and non-interference in internal affairs. He noted that “the government will begin supporting security institutions by purchasing a complete air defense system to enhance the state’s full air sovereignty, legislating the Popular Mobilization Forces law, and cementing their status within the security apparatus as an integral part under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.” (End) A.H.H. / N.A.A.