Iraq shuts down 71 unauthorized Popular Mobilization headquarters

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Interior Ministry announced that 71 unauthorized headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have been closed across the country. The ministry also warned that any unauthorized drone and its operator, regardless of affiliated group, will be treated under counterterrorism measures. Brigadier General Miqdad Miri, head of the ministry's Press and Relations Directorate, made the remarks at a meeting of the permanent national committee tasked with bringing weapons under state control. He said the committee maintains a database covering 6 million weapons nationwide as part of its registration and inspection work. Miri noted that public interest in voluntary, free weapons registration was initially low but has risen noticeably in recent weeks. He said the committee will continue its registration and inspection process, without providing a timeline for completion. No further details were immediately available on the closed headquarters or their locations.