Iraqi PM faces armed factions' defiance ahead of Washington visit

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is confronting significant political and security hurdles as armed groups tied to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq refuse to disarm ahead of his planned visit to Washington. The government had set a September deadline for weapons to be handed over to state institutions, coinciding with the withdrawal of the international coalition.

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At this historic juncture, we draw the attention of political leaders and government officials to the need to submit to the will of the people of resistance and jihad, and to exercise extreme caution against being drawn into arrogant projects or aligning themselves with their malicious agendas.

Al-Zaidi had previously stated that the government was in talks with these factions, expecting their activities to transition to political and social spheres. He emphasized that after the deadline, arms would be exclusively held by official state security forces. However, Kataib Hezbollah, through its official Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, has issued a strong warning, demanding the Iraqi government "submit" to the resistance. Al-Hamidawi, who is under a U.S. State Department reward for information, asserted Kataib Hezbollah's founding and loyalty under Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

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We warn them that our people will make their position and decision known if the compass deviates.

"At this historic juncture, we draw the attention of political leaders and government officials to the need to submit to the will of the people of resistance and jihad, and to exercise extreme caution against being drawn into arrogant projects or aligning themselves with their malicious agendas," al-Hamidawi stated, referring to the disarmament plan. He warned that the people would make their position known if the government deviated from their path.

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Let the enemies know that the forces of the axis of truth are one body, operating according to the jihadist framework laid down for us by our leader, Khamenei.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an armed coalition aligned with Iran's Revolutionary Guards, also rejected the disarmament call. The group affirmed its commitment to the "path of resistance," stating, "Let the enemies know that the forces of the axis of truth are one body, operating according to the jihadist framework laid down for us by our leader, Khamenei." They vowed that hardships would only strengthen their resolve to support the oppressed and expel occupiers from Iraq and the region.

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Hardships will not deter us, but will only strengthen our determination to continue on our path of supporting the oppressed and expelling the occupiers from Iraq and the region.