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Iraqi Militias Set to Disarm Amid Growing US Pressure
Iraq’s powerful militias, including Kataib Hezbollah, are considering disarmament to avoid escalating conflict with the US. A key shift in the region as the government pushes for state-controlled weapons.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-07
Iraqi Militias Set to Disarm Amid Growing US Pressure

Several powerful militia groups in Iraq are preparing to disarm for the first time as they face mounting pressure from the US administration under President Donald Trump. Senior commanders from key militias told Reuters that discussions between Iraq’s government and militia leaders are progressing to avert an escalating conflict with the US, which has warned of airstrikes if the groups do not disband.

The militia groups, including Kataib Hezbollah, Nujabaa, Kataib Sayyed al-Shuhada, and Ansarullah al-Awfiyaa, have been a significant force in Iraq, operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. This alliance has been heavily supported by Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), and they command approximately 50,000 fighters. They have launched numerous attacks on US and Israeli targets in Iraq and Syria, especially since the escalation of the Gaza conflict.

US officials have urged Iraq’s government to take action, threatening airstrikes if these groups are not disbanded. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is engaged in advanced talks with militia leaders to secure their disarmament. Some groups have already begun reducing their presence in major cities, fearing US retaliation.

However, there is skepticism about whether these disarmament efforts will be long-lasting, with US officials cautioning that past pressure on militias has not led to permanent demilitarization. This shift occurs as Iraq tries to balance its complex relationships with both the US and Iran, who have competing interests in the region.
Tagged:

Iran

Iraq

MiddleEastConflict

MilitiaDisarmament

USPressure
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