Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi affirmed that Mount Sinjar will come under the full authority of the federal government. He also announced that the Sinjar resistance factions would commence handing over their weapons to the state.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the Prime Minister’s Media Office reported that Al-Zaidi met with a delegation from the Yazidi Cause Alliance, led by MP Murad Ismail, alongside leaders of the Sinjar Resistance Units. The meeting discussed the situation in the Sinjar district, focusing on stability, reconstruction, and the future of its inhabitants.

During the discussions, Al-Zaidi stated that “the Sinjar resistance factions will begin handing over their weapons to the state, and Mount Sinjar will come under the full authority of the federal government and its security and administrative institutions.” He emphasized the importance of consolidating arms under state control and unifying security decision-making to safeguard the district’s residents and ensure long-term stability.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the decision to hand over weapons is a step towards building a state characterized by institutional governance and unified national decision-making. He assured that the state would honor the contributions of the Sinjar Resistance Units by integrating qualified members into Iraqi security institutions, following legal frameworks. The meeting also covered topics such as public service conditions, infrastructure needs, compensation for affected individuals, and creating conditions for displaced persons to return. Administrative issues related to Sinjar’s management and the Sinjar Reconstruction Fund were also addressed.

Al-Zaidi reiterated that the Yazidis are an essential part of Iraq’s social fabric, contributing to the nation’s strength and diversity. He acknowledged the injustices faced by the Yazidi community due to terrorism and pledged the government’s commitment to securing justice, guaranteeing rights, and facilitating their return home. He emphasized that Sinjar should not become a conflict zone nor tolerate unauthorized security or military entities.

Additionally, the Prime Minister ordered the inclusion of the Yazidi community in the “One Million Residential Plots” project and directed efforts for the complete return of displaced individuals. He called for the formation of a high-level committee to assess and address Sinjar’s security and service needs, ensuring the integration of Sinjar Protection Force members into official institutions to reinforce state authority.

The delegation expressed full support for the Prime Minister’s initiatives, endorsing measures to strengthen state authority, weapon handover, and the integration of Sinjar Resistance Units into official frameworks, alongside efforts to combat corruption, implement economic reforms, and enhance Iraq’s foreign relations.