Report: UK, Italy Among States Considered to Verify Hezbollah Disarmament

Iraq is preparing a detailed plan to assert state control over weapons held by factions linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following the expiration of a September 30 deadline. The strategy, revealed by Iraqi sources, aims to "encircle leadership positions" of these groups and facilitate their "gradual" dismantling without resorting to armed confrontation.

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encircling leadership positions

The government's approach involves deploying regular army forces, Counter-Terrorism Service units, and elite units around the operational centers of these armed factions. The objective is to restrict the movement of supplies and personnel to and from these sites. Checkpoints will be established under officer command to monitor weapons, with a particular focus on drones and missiles.

Sources indicate that government forces will systematically tighten restrictions around these faction strongholds. This pressure is intended to push the groups towards either making a tactical error, such as moving drones, which would justify a response, or relinquishing their positions to the official Iraqi institutions without a fight. This formula was reached after extensive discussions to avoid military conflict.

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gradual dismantling

As a trial phase, army and Counter-Terrorism Service forces have reportedly begun deploying officers to monitoring checkpoints in several areas and on highways. These checkpoints have already shown success in intercepting drone shipments in recent weeks. The plan is reportedly focused on key strongholds like Jurf al-Sakhar, a stronghold of Kata’ib Hezbollah, and Jurf al-Nadaf, associated with Harakat al-Nujaba, both located south of Baghdad.

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designed a course that does not lead to armed confrontation

Iranian officials are reportedly attempting to obstruct or delay Baghdad's plan. However, Iraqi officials are committed to a course of action that avoids direct armed conflict, aiming to consolidate state authority over armed groups operating outside its command.

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Government forces will gradually and systematically tighten restrictions around these sites until reaching a stage that allows them to impose control over them, something that has been difficult to do for years.