Iraqi Expert Says US Withdrawal Would Strengthen State Weapons Control

Security expert Sadiq Abdullah said on June 3 that armed groups' commitment to transferring weapons to state control would strengthen following the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq. Abdullah said the withdrawal would serve as an important guarantee for these groups and reinforce the policy of weapons remaining exclusively with the state. Kataeb Imam Ali and Asaib Ahl al-Haq were among the Shia forces that decided to separate from the Hashd Shaabi, according to the report. Abdullah described the weapons consolidation file as one of Iraq's most complex and sensitive issues. He said the government lacks the luxury of ignoring the issue under regional and international pressure. Direct conflict between parties remains a red line, Abdullah said. The government maintains direct communication channels with the armed groups.