Iraq coalition sets Sept. 30 deadline for factions to lay down arms

Iraq's dominant political coalition has issued a firm ultimatum to armed factions, demanding they relinquish their weapons to state control by September 30. The State Administration Coalition, comprising Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish forces, warned that any armed activity occurring after this deadline will face legal repercussions, including the counter-terrorism law. This declaration marks a significant escalation in addressing one of Iraq's most persistent challenges since the 2003 U.S. invasion.

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The State Administration Coalition reaffirmed its support for continued efforts to preserve security and stability, as well as the government’s efforts to ensure that all arms remain under state authority, in accordance with the Government Program approved by the parliament and now in force.

The coalition's stance was reaffirmed during a high-level meeting attended by the prime minister, the president of the Kurdistan Region, the parliament speaker, and the president of the Supreme Judicial Council. The alliance reiterated its support for security and stability, emphasizing the government's program to consolidate all arms under state authority. It also stressed the importance of preventing Iraq from being used as a base for attacks on neighboring countries or being drawn into external conflicts.

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It also stressed the need to prevent Iraqi territory from being used as a launching point for attacks against neighboring countries or from drawing Iraq into conflicts that do not serve the interests of its people.

The coalition's firm position comes shortly after prominent figures within pro-Iran factions resisted disarmament calls. Hadi al-Ameri, a leader of the Badr Organization, declared he would oppose any encroachment on the "resistance's weapons." Similarly, Kataib Hezbollah has publicly stated its refusal to lay down arms, advocating for the development of its arsenal to counter perceived challenges.

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The Coalition considered that anyone engaging in such conduct commits the crime of threatening the country’s security and shall be regarded as being outside the law.

This deadline coincides with the planned withdrawal of American forces in Iraq, part of the anti-ISIS coalition. The government's push to assert state authority over all armed groups is a critical step in consolidating power and ensuring national security, though it faces significant resistance from powerful, Iran-aligned militias.

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Such individuals must be confronted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, which prohibit the use of arms outside the authority of the state or the formation of any armed organization outside the Official Armed Forces.