Saraya al-Salam Transfers Security File to Iraqi Forces in Samarra

SARA, Iraq — An official ceremony was held in Samarra on Thursday for the transfer of Saraya al-Salam's security file to state forces, part of a broader strategy to centralize weapons under government control. Deputy head of the Joint Operations Command Lieutenant General Qais al-Muhammadawi confirmed a joint commission is working to sever the link between Hashd al-Shabi and these forces. He said the forces will be placed directly under the Supreme Commander. Saraya al-Salam commander Tahsin al-Hamdawi said during the ceremony that the forces will be militarily linked to the Supreme Commander and that handover procedures will continue to ensure security duties function properly. The step is part of a policy aimed at consolidating state authority over armed groups and organizing the security file in the holy city of Samarra.