Iraq to classify unlicensed drones as 'terror acts' during arms census

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's National Arms Census Committee said on Wednesday that hundreds of thousands of weapons have been identified and registered nationwide as part of an ongoing nationwide inventory aimed at curbing unauthorized arms use. Committee officials announced that drones flown without a license will be treated as terrorist acts and prosecuted as such, citing the security risks posed by unauthorized aerial vehicles. The committee is conducting the broader weapons-counting process across Iraq to record arms in official inventories and prevent the use of unlicensed firearms. Once the census is complete, individuals found carrying unauthorized weapons will be identified and referred to judicial authorities, according to the statement. Officials also urged citizens to report incidents involving unlicensed weapons or drones to the relevant authorities. The committee said the process will be carried out transparently and that the data collected will be shared with security institutions.