Samarra Peace Brigades Surrender Weapons in Iraq Armed Group Integration

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The first practical steps toward integrating armed groups into Iraq's official security system began Thursday, with elements of the Peace Brigades in Samarra surrendering their headquarters and weapons. The ceremony took place under supervision of a commission chaired by the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations, including the military secretary of the Commander-in-Chief and representatives from the Defense and Interior ministries as well as Hashd al-Shabi. Major General Saad Maan, head of the Iraqi Security Media Cell, confirmed the groups would be fully subordinated to the Commander-in-Chief. He said the surrender aligns with an initiative launched by Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr. Technical arrangements regarding weapons and restructuring will follow, with each integration stage having its own implementation requirements. Major General Maan emphasized that all security and military formations will operate exclusively under the command of the armed forces Commander-in-Chief.