Debate Over Non-State Weapons in Iraq Rekindled Amid Nujaba Leader's Strong Stance

The debate over consolidating weapons solely under state control in Iraq has resurfaced prominently following a firm statement by Nujaba leader Akram al-Kaabi. Al-Kaabi rejected any reconciliation with foreign powers and affirmed his movement's commitment to the 'power and weapons' approach.

The issue of weapons remaining outside state control in Iraq has returned to the forefront of the country's security and political agenda following remarks by Akram al-Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Nujaba Movement. Al-Kaabi rejected any reconciliation with parties he accused of supporting foreign powers and declared that his movement would continue its "power and weapons" policy.

Al-Kaabi's statements come at a time when the Iraqi government continues its efforts to bring weapons exclusively under the supervision of state institutions. The Baghdad administration acknowledges that there are complex political and military obstacles to achieving this goal.

Al-Kaabi Praises Iran and the Houthis

In a statement released on Tuesday, al-Kaabi spoke following recent regional developments and the military escalation between Iran and Israel. He praised Iran's missile strike on Israel this week, describing it as a "lesson to the Zionist entity."

He also commended the Houthis in Yemen for firing at Israel, calling their action "a surprise slap to the enemy."

The Nujaba Movement is known as an Iraqi armed group close to Iran and is part of an alliance that considers itself a main component of the "Iraqi Islamic Resistance." The group is among those directly involved in the rising regional tensions following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Baghdad's Weapon Collection Plan Continues

Iraqi sources report that the government has contacted leaders of armed groups to prevent their involvement in the recent escalation. According to these sources, some groups support the government's plan to consolidate weapons under the state's umbrella.

Al-Kaabi, however, warned those who believe Iraq could reconcile with parties he accuses of supporting Israel and the U.S. According to him, the only valid approach in dealing with these circles is the "logic of power and weapons," and his movement will not deviate from this line.

The debate has brought the future of armed groups in Iraq and the question of whether all armed factions can be brought under state authority into sharper focus. This issue is one of the most important files addressed by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi's government.

The government has repeatedly stated its commitment to the rule of law and that weapons will be restricted to official institutions. However, the situation on the ground is far more complex than political decisions suggest.

Deepening Divisions Among Armed Groups

Influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced on May 27 that he had integrated his military wing, Saraya al-Salam, into the state and called on groups within the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to hand over their weapons. Subsequently, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib al-Imam Ali declared their withdrawal from the PMF.

In contrast, some figures rejecting the weapon handover proposals argue that these demands are the result of external pressure. Abd al-Rahman al-Jazairi, serving within the PMF, stated that the decision to limit weapons cannot be an individual choice and must also be addressed by the legislative body.

Al-Jazairi's remarks reflect the divisions within the armed groups dossier. Over the years, these groups have increased their influence, established military arsenals, and created their own financial resources, making this issue more than just a security matter.

Shahavan Abdullah, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party bloc, also noted other obstacles to the disarmament plan. According to Abdullah, some weapons in the hands of groups do not belong directly to those groups.

Abdullah said some weapons belong to a "regional state," which may consider them its property. In such cases, the relevant parties might refuse to hand over these weapons, including drones. He also suggested that some groups might transfer weapons to other entities instead of handing them over to the state.

Abdullah stated that about 30% of armed groups operate under the PMF umbrella, while the rest act independently of this structure.

Experts emphasize that the weapons issue is not solely a security matter but is intertwined with political influence and economic interests. Due to groups establishing their own financial institutions and spheres of influence in recent years, it is considered difficult for responses to disarmament calls to be shaped solely by laws or government decisions.