Four armed groups in Iraq hand over weapons to government

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Four armed groups in Iraq have formally joined a government program to consolidate weapons under state control and unify security authority under the prime minister in his capacity as commander-in-chief, the head of Iraq's Security Media Cell, Brigadier General Saad Maan, said on Monday. Maan said the program had previously remained largely rhetorical but is now being implemented on the ground. He announced that the four groups had officially joined the initiative, a Diwaniyah (executive) order has been issued, and the process of inventorying and taking custody of the weapons has begun. Under the program, all security entities are to operate within the framework of the Iraqi Armed Forces and the commander-in-chief. Maan said Iraq is a strong state grounded in the rule of law, respect for rights and freedoms, and the strengthening of national identity.