Sadiqoun member blasts ‘guardians of chaos’ opposing militia weapons handover

BAGHDAD — A member of the Sadiqoun Movement’s General Assembly on Tuesday sharply criticized factions opposing efforts to restrict weapons to state control, calling them “guardians of chaos” and condemning attacks on diplomatic missions, Iraq’s intelligence service and neighboring countries.

Ahmed Adnan, speaking on Al Rabiaa TV, said that “those who claim to defend the state project while dragging it into childish actions do not represent true resistance,” and asked sarcastically what kind of resistance would accept the kidnapping of a journalist from the street. His remarks appeared to reference the abduction of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, seized in broad daylight in central Baghdad on May 31 and released days later with several broken ribs.

Adnan rejected claims that the weapons restriction push was driven by Washington. “America cannot impose any decision on us. History has proven that since 2003,” he said. “Restricting weapons is a purely Iraqi call, not an American one. It is a response to the religious authority and to an internal national Iraqi decision.” He argued that critics would have accused Asaib Ahl al-Haq of trading weapons for political influence had it secured a ministry in the first round of cabinet appointments, and that the real obstacle was not disarmament itself but those opposing state authority. “Since when does a resistance movement bombard neighboring countries and then announce it on Telegram?” he asked.

Adnan said all groups would eventually comply. “This is the only step capable of preserving the reputation of the resistance,” he said.

His remarks came after the armed wing of the Sadiqoun Movement, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, announced the formation of a central committee headed by Jawad al-Talibawi to oversee its separation from PMF formations and the handover of weapons to state control. Kataib al-Imam Ali also announced Tuesday it would sever ties with the PMF and begin placing its weapons under state authority.

The moves follow the Coordination Framework’s announcement of support for weapons restriction and PMF separation from political affiliations, and Muqtada al-Sadr’s decision on May 27 that Saraya al-Salam would separate from his movement and integrate into the state. Kataib Hezbollah continues to reject disarmament calls, with security official Abu Mujahid al-Assaf saying on May 30 the group was prepared to acquire weapons from departing factions, including drones, loitering munitions, cruise missiles and anti-tank weapons.