Iraq says arms of mobilization forces will not be collected

BAGHDAD

(AP photo)

The Popular Mobilization Forces, also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, are part of Iraq’s armed forces, a senior Iraqi official has said, adding that a decision to place all weapons under state control would apply to other armed groups.

Speaking to Iraq’s official news agency on Aug. 15, Saad Maan, head of Iraq’s Security Media Network, referred to a government decision calling on armed groups in the country to hand over their weapons to the state.

“The Hashd al-Shaabi forces are part of the Iraqi Armed Forces. Members of the Hashd al-Shaabi are also subject to the military laws in force in the country,” Maan said.

He indicated that the decision to place weapons under the state’s exclusive control would apply to armed groups other than the Popular Mobilization Forces.

The Iraqi government on June 29 called on all armed groups in the country to hand over their weapons by Sept. 30, although a significant number of the groups are known to oppose the plan.

Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq were brought together under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization Forces to fight the ISIL terrorist organization, and the Iraqi state granted the group official status in 2016.