Sadiqoun official says weapons handover removes pretexts for dragging Iraq into war

BAGHDAD — A senior Sadiqoun Movement official said Wednesday that Asaib Ahl al-Haq’s decision to place its weapons under state control is intended to organize arms within state institutions and remove external pretexts for drawing Iraq into regional conflicts.

Ahmed al-Kinani, a member of the movement’s political bureau, told Alawla TV that forces within the Coordination Framework had identified “real threats” facing Iraq because of the government’s opposition to the war involving Iran. “We are proud of the history of Asaib Ahl al-Haq and its resistance,” he said. “But the regional and international situation is different now. Limiting weapons to state control does not mean handing them over to an unknown party. It means organizing them within the framework of the state, of which we are a part.”

Al-Kinani said the Coordination Framework concluded that armed resistance groups were established to protect Iraq rather than draw it into conflicts. “There is pressure and intent from some Gulf and Arab countries to target Iraq,” he said. “We should not provide justifications or pretexts for that and must demonstrate that Iraq is not a country ruled by chaos.”

The comments come as several factions have announced compliance with the weapons handover push. Asaib Ahl al-Haq formed a central committee Tuesday to oversee its separation from PMF formations and inventory personnel, weapons and logistical assets. The Imam Ali Battalions also announced Tuesday they would sever ties with the PMF and begin placing weapons under state control. On May 27, Muqtada al-Sadr announced that Saraya al-Salam would separate from his movement and integrate into state institutions.

Kataib Hezbollah has continued to reject the initiative, with security official Abu Mujahid al-Assaf saying on May 30 the group was prepared to acquire weapons from departing factions, including drones and anti-armor weapons.