INA - BAGHDAD
The spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sabah al-Nu'man, confirmed on Wednesday that the committee formed by directive of the Commander-in-Chief has begun its work to consolidate weapons under state control.
“Severing ties with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) includes restructuring its formations and guaranteeing the rights of its members," Al-Nu'man stated in a statement to Al-Iraqiya News, followed up by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.
He added, "This committee was formed by order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, a purely Iraqi decision, in response to the call of the wise religious authority, and also in accordance with the ministerial program, government policy, and the approach of the Prime Minister, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to consolidate weapons and unify the security discourse.”
"The committee has been formed and has begun its work. It will establish mechanisms for integrating and incorporating the relevant formations and handing over weapons, equipment, and camps to the Iraqi security forces. All weapons and equipment will be handed over to the Central Committee and the Iraqi security forces. Within two days, a complete inventory will be submitted to the Central Committee, which operates under the direct supervision, guidance, and follow-up of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces," he underscored.
He explained that "the Central Committee comprises several entities, including the Ministries of Defense and Interior, the Joint Operations Command, and the Popular Mobilization Forces. It will establish a mechanism to complete this process efficiently and quickly. The work is being carried out according to administrative and legal procedures, as well as logistical and technical frameworks."
“The term 'disengagement' encompasses administrative frameworks and the restructuring of these formations within the security apparatus, guaranteeing the rights of the fighters and their integration into the military formations," Al-Nu'man clarified.
The Prime Minister, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, “has an economic vision for the requirements of this phase," adding that "Iraq is currently experiencing a stable security situation, and all terrorist threats have been eliminated."