Iraq's Badr Organization opposes use of force in disarmament process

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The head of the Badr Organization's political bureau, Mohammed Naji Mohammed, said the group rejects the government's approach of using force in the disarmament of armed factions, warning that such a step would fuel internal strife and benefit the United States and Israel. In a written statement, he said Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani should not be given a green light for military action against resistance groups. The Badr Organization said starting to restrict weapons before U.S. forces complete their withdrawal from Iraq would amount to "squandering a national achievement," referring to a framework under which U.S. troops are set to leave by Sept. 30, 2026. It set out three conditions for any disarmament process: the full withdrawal of U.S. forces, the end of strategic threats against Iraq, and the complete build-up of the Iraqi armed forces, including air defense. The statement suggested al-Sudani may be acting under U.S. pressure and criticized the government's hardline stance toward armed groups. It also noted that Badr Organization Secretary-General Hadi al-Amiri mediated last week's political crisis to ease tensions. With the Sept. 30 deadline for consolidating weapons under state authority approaching, political sources said security measures have been tightened in Baghdad and surrounding areas.