Iraq’s PM faces resistance in bid to disarm Iran-linked armed groups amid US pressure

Iraq's government is facing a major challenge in its effort to bring Iran-linked armed groups under state control. Prime Minister Ali al- Zaidi is seeking to disarm factions within the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) and integrate them into official security institutions. One of the largest groups, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, has aligned itself with the government and says it is willing to distance itself from openly carrying weapons, a move that could strengthen its political influence through its al-Sadiqoun bloc. However, other factions remain opposed. Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada says it will not disarm while US and Israeli strikes continue in Iraq and the region. The group insists it could quickly rebuild its military capabilities even if weapons were surrendered. The divisions highlight the difficulty Baghdad faces in establishing a state monopoly on the use of force and asserting full control over armed groups.

Al Jazeera's Jack Hewson reports from Baghdad, Iraq.

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