Abdul Aziz al-Muhammadawi, also known as Ebu Fadak, commander of Iraq's Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces), categorically rejected calls to hand over the weapons of the resistance front to the state. Speaking at the funeral of Hashd al-Shaabi members killed in the airstrikes carried out by the US and Saudi Arabia, Ebu Fadak said, "Who can take these weapons? Who has the power to take them?" and declared that the resistance weapons would "never" be handed over to the state.
Ebu Fadak's remarks came immediately after precision strikes by US and Saudi warplanes on Hashd al-Shaabi positions on Wednesday. US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had targeted weapons depots and logistics facilities belonging to Hashd al-Shaabi in various areas of eastern Iraq. Hashd al-Shaabi reported that at least 20 of its members were killed and 32 others wounded in the joint attacks.
Resistance to Baghdad's Disarmament Policy
The Iraqi government continues its policy of bringing all weapons under state authority. Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali al-Zaidi met with delegations from the Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib al-Imam Ali groups on June 3. Following these talks, Baghdad established a joint committee that will separate the two groups from the Hashd al-Shaabi structure and advance the policy of restricting weapons to official state institutions.
The initiative was presented as part of efforts to strengthen state authority in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution and existing laws. While Saraya al-Salam, Kataib al-Imam Ali, and the Badr Organization are among the groups that have handed over their weapons to the state, other organizations refuse to disarm. The US is also reported to be constantly pressuring the Iraqi government to have Hashd al-Shaabi and other armed groups hand over their weapons and dissolve their military structures.
Ebu Fadak's remarks expose the deep divisions in Iraq's disarmament efforts and reveal that, despite Baghdad's goal of centralizing military authority, some armed groups are resisting laying down their weapons.
