Iraqi pro-Iranian militia disengages from paramilitary group amid U.S. pressure

The pro-Iranian Imam Ali Brigades, a significant militia in Iraq, announced on Tuesday its decision to sever ties with the broader Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). This move signals a fragmentation of the paramilitary umbrella group, which is integrated into Iraq's security forces, amid increasing pressure from the United States on the Iraqi government.

In a statement, the militia's leadership declared its intention to initiate procedures for consolidating weapons under state control. The Brigades cited "national will" and Baghdad's ongoing efforts to curb the influence of these armed groups as reasons for their decision. This action also aligns with a recent declaration by the Coordination Framework, the dominant Shia political alliance, which supports the state's monopoly on arms and the PMF's separation from political spheres.

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The direction of the Imam Ali Brigades has decided to break ties with the Popular Mobilization Forces and initiate procedures to consolidate weapons under state control.

The Imam Ali Brigades, estimated to have around 8,000 fighters and a notable presence in Syria, emphasized their responsibility to "consolidate weapons under state control, strengthen security institutions, and establish the rule of law." They announced the formation of transfer committees, including one to oversee the handover of weapons to state security forces under the prime minister's command.

This development follows similar announcements from other powerful Iran-aligned militias, including Asaib Ahl al-Haq, which Washington designates as a terrorist organization. The influential nationalist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr also recently took steps to separate his armed group, Saraya al-Salam, from political involvement. The PMF's disintegration occurs against a backdrop of heightened U.S. pressure on Baghdad to dismantle pro-Iranian militias and limit their political sway, particularly following visits by U.S. officials like former CIA Director David Petraeus.

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Our responsibility today requires consolidating weapons under state control, strengthening security institutions, and establishing the rule of law.