Baghdad Cleric Backs Government Disarmament of Armed Groups

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A prominent Baghdad cleric has praised the government's efforts to disarm and integrate armed groups into the official security structure, saying security cannot be achieved as long as such groups remain active. Abdulvehab al-Samerrai delivered the remarks during Friday prayers at Abu Hanifa Mosque, describing the presence of armed groups as a matter of sovereignty that must remain under the exclusive control of state institutions. The Security Media Cell announced that the integration process began in Samarra, where the Salah Brigades surrendered weapons and headquarters. Samerrai also called for the High Sovereignty Council for Integrity and Public Money Recovery to work impartially and without discrimination. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered the establishment of that council at the end of May, mandating financial oversight and anti-corruption measures. No further details were immediately available.