Muqtada Al-Sadr renews call for ‘state control of arms’

BAGHDAD — Influential Shia cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr has issued a strong call for restricting weapons exclusively to the hands of the army and official security forces, while condemning the presence of uncontrolled arms and armed groups in the country.

In a public statement marking the Iraqi Army 104th anniversary, Sadr expressed his respect and admiration for the Iraqi Army and its role in safeguarding the nation.

“We once again demand that weapons be restricted solely to the hands of the army and official security forces. No, and a thousand times no, to uncontrolled weapons and rogue armed groups,” he declared.

The call comes amid ongoing challenges in Iraq, where non-state armed groups continue to wield significant power, often undermining the authority of state institutions and contributing to security instability.

Iraq is witnessing escalating debates over the fate of militia groups and their weapons, particularly in light of recent diplomatic developments involving Syria. Reports suggest U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the Iraqi government to dismantle armed groups, transfer their weapons to state control, and limit Iranian influence during a surprise visit to Baghdad.

Full statement of Al-Sadr:

In the name of God and in the name of the homeland,.

With love and respect,

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the army of the homeland and its towering shield.

This is a greeting from me to all leaders and personnel across all ranks and formations, and we wish them steadfastness in their love for the homeland and its people. May God Almighty protect them from evil, the nightmare of corruption, and dependency, so they may remain, as we have always known them, free in their love for their homeland. For love of the homeland is part of faith, and it deserves sacrifice, loyalty, and devotion.

We once again demand that weapons be restricted solely to the hands of the army and official security forces.

No, and a thousand times no, to uncontrolled weapons and rogue armed groups.

And peace is the conclusion.