Over ten million pilgrims participated in solemn farewell ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Najaf and Karbala, Iraq. The supreme committee for mourning events expressed gratitude to Iraqi institutions and forces for their support in organizing the rituals.
The military wing of Muqtada al-Sadr's movement, Saraya al-Salam, handed over its security responsibilities in Samarra to the Iraqi army. This move aligns with broader efforts to restructure the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and consolidate state control over armed groups.
Iraq's Joint Operations Command is working to sever ties with the Popular Mobilization Forces in Samarra, ensuring their direct subordination to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. This move aims to consolidate state control over weaponry and integrate these forces into the official military.
