Iraq’s armed forces on Thursday reiterated their commitment to implementing the government’s plan to bring all weapons under state control, describing the issue as a sovereign matter with “no turning back.”
– Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said the government remained committed to regulating weapons and ensuring they fall under the authority of the state and its official security institutions.
– He said a specialized committee had been formed and that talks were ongoing on how to regulate weapons “in a way that preserves them,” adding that the matter was a sovereign demand.
– “We will not allow a return to sectarian rhetoric or the spread of malicious rumors,” al-Numan said.
– On the US-led international coalition, al-Numan said its mission would end on schedule on September 30.
– He added that the withdrawal of coalition forces was accelerating and was being carried out in close coordination with the relevant Iraqi authorities.
– Separately, Defense Ministry spokesperson Yahya Rasool said the government had established a new Jazira and Badia Operations Command in Samawah province.
– He said the command would be based in the province and would be responsible for covering the surrounding area and strengthening the security presence there.
– Rasool also said the commander-in-chief had directed that priority be given to equipping Iraq’s air defense forces, as part of efforts to strengthen the armed forces, improve their readiness to confront security challenges and protect Iraqi airspace.