Kataib Group Spokesperson Accuses Iraqi Prime Minister of Lying on Disarmament

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A spokesperson for Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada has accused Prime Minister Ali Zeyadi of spreading falsehoods regarding disarmament, saying the group's weapons would never be surrendered. Spokesperson Qadhim al-Fartusi said disarmament measures were implemented in response to external pressure and that no religious authorities had issued instructions for the group to lay down arms. Al-Fartusi described weapons as "a trust and responsibility" that the group would never relinquish. Saud al-Saadi, a member of the Rights Movement, also rejected the arms control initiative, saying it was being driven by outside forces. Al-Saadi argued that armed groups played a legitimate role in protecting the state and that disarming could undermine security. Other militia factions, including Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Kataib Imam Ali, and Saraya al-Salam, have announced preparations to integrate into official state institutions. The contrasting positions highlight deepening divisions within Iraq over the governance of armed groups. No further details on the dispute were immediately available.