Iraq's Sadr blames armed groups for security force deaths

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr on Saturday blamed armed groups and uncontrolled weapons for the deaths of members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and Iraqi security forces, saying their actions have caused unnecessary casualties. In a statement, Sadr said reckless acts by armed groups and the failure to consolidate weapons under state control have led to the losses. He accused senior leaders of those groups of living in comfort and security while others pay the price, without naming specific factions. Sadr called for an end to armed chaos and for weapons to be placed under the exclusive control of the state. He also sent a condolence message to the families of those killed. The statement follows remarks a day earlier in which Sadr urged Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and armed groups not to drag Iraq into regional conflicts, and called on the government to protect state sovereignty and strengthen security. No further details on the recent casualties were provided.