Iraq Rejects Sept. 30 PMU Disarmament Deadline as Trump Push to Dismantle Militias Stalls
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 6
Iraq Rejects Sept. 30 PMU Disarmament Deadline as Trump Push to Dismantle Militias Stalls
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 6
Summary
Qasim al-Araji said Aug. 23 that Sept. 30 marks the U.S.-led coalition’s departure, not a deadline for pro-Iran PMU factions to surrender weapons.
The reversal undercuts Washington’s effort to press Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to dismantle or absorb militias, even after Baghdad had recently said all political forces backed restricting arms to the state.
Hardline groups including Kataeb Hezbollah and Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba have refused to disarm, while analysts say IRGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani urged militia leaders to slow talks and keep their weapons.
A recent arrest of PMU intelligence official Abbas al-Yaqubi briefly signaled tougher enforcement, but his transfer to the PMU’s own intelligence branch reinforced doubts that Baghdad can confront entrenched militia power.
The dispute leaves Iraq trying to integrate state-affiliated armed groups as Trump says the country can stand without U.S. troops after the coalition mission ends on Sept. 30.
As U.S. troops prepare to leave, will Baghdad's attempt to disarm powerful Iran-backed militias trigger a shadow war or secure its sovereignty?
With millions hidden in officials' walls, can Iraq truly sever the deep financial ties funding defiant militias before the September 30 deadline?
How can the Iraqi government enforce military integration when powerful militia branches can easily reclaim their arrested commanders from state custody?