Statement from Iraq on the decision to collect weapons under state monopoly

Speaking to the official Iraqi agency INA, Maan drew attention to the decision of the armed groups in the country to surrender their weapons to the state.

"Hashd al-Shaabi forces are part of the Iraqi Armed Forces. Hashd al-Shaabi members are also covered by the military laws in force in the country." Maan pointed out that the decision to collect weapons under the state's monopoly will include armed groups other than Hashd al-Shaabi.

Stating that Hashd al-Shaabi forces are a part of the country's security system, Maan said, "The state monopoly of weapons means that there is no parallel armed force other than the state authority." he said.

While the Iraqi government called on June 29 for all armed groups in the country to surrender their weapons by September 30, it is known that a significant part of these groups did not favor this plan.

In order to fight against the terrorist organization DAESH in Iraq, Iranian-backed armed groups were gathered under the umbrella of the structure called "Hashd al-Shaabi", and they were granted official status by the Iraqi state in 2016.

Although Hashd al-Shaabi is affiliated with the Iraqi state, some of its armed groups close to Iran are known to act autonomously.