Asaib Ahl al-Haq Affirms State Monopoly on Arms to Bolster Stability

The Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement, a key component of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), has declared that all weaponry must remain exclusively under the control of state institutions. The movement explicitly rejected the concept of 'unregulated arms outside the state,' aligning with previous positions held by leader Qais al-Khazali. Khalid al-Saadi of the Sadiqun bloc emphasized that establishing the state as the sole authority for arms management is essential to strengthening national stability. This stance underscores a commitment to centralizing security apparatuses under official government oversight. The movement stipulated that this transition is contingent upon the state possessing full capacity to defend the country across land, air, and sea. This requirement highlights the necessity of a robust national defense infrastructure to ensure comprehensive security. Officials further noted that all resistance groups are now integrated under the umbrella of the PMF, which operates as an official state institution. This integration is presented as the primary mechanism for transitioning paramilitary capabilities into formal state control.