Baghdad:Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has announced that the Iraqi government is making significant progress in addressing the issue of armed factions within the country. The government has successfully negotiated with three groups and is currently in discussions with four additional factions to bring all weapons under state control.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zaidi, in a televised interview with the Iraqi News Channel, set a deadline of June 30, 2027, for ensuring that no weapons remain outside the state’s framework. He emphasized that this consolidation is a final and irreversible decision, aiming to ensure that Iraq is a state that controls factions, rather than a collection of factions governing a state.

The Prime Minister highlighted that soon, all arms will be held exclusively by Iraqi security forces, marking the complete withdrawal of American soldiers from Iraq, including those serving as advisors. Additionally, Al-Zaidi confirmed that agreements have been reached for the withdrawal of Turkish forces and the handover of the Bashiqa base to the Iraqi Army.

Furthermore, Al-Zaidi announced an agreement with the Sinjar Resistance Units (YBS) for them to relinquish control of Mount Sinjar. Members of the YBS will be integrated into the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), further consolidating military assets under Iraqi state control.