Iraqi Lawmaker: Resistance Weapons Target Enemies, Terrorist Groups

An Iraqi lawmaker has underscored the key role of the country’s anti-terror resistance factions in combating Takfiri groups, saying their weapons are directed solely at forces seeking to destabilize Iraq and at rogue elements.

Mohammed al-Moussawi on Saturday rejected a September 30 deadline for placing all weapons under state control, saying arms held by Iraqi resistance groups are primarily aimed at deterring and defeating terrorist threats, including Daesh militants.

Moussawi said the weapons serve national and historical purposes, including combating terrorism, freeing occupied territories and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and stability.

An Iraqi lawmaker said that “resistance weapons” guarantee Iraq’s security and stability, safeguarding the country and its people against potential threats and what he described as destructive plots.

“These weapons remain directed at enemies and terrorist groups and will never be used against the civilians that resistance groups are committed to protecting,” Moussawi said.

On August 11, the Iraqi prime minister directed officials to draft legislation to ensure weapons remain exclusively under state control.

Ali al-Zaidi issued the instructions during a meeting in Baghdad with Khalid al-Obeidi, head of the Iraqi Parliament’s Security and Defense Committee.

The meeting addressed the situation in the country, along with efforts by various security agencies and formations to maintain security and stability and safeguard the nation’s borders and airspace from a range of threats, the prime minister’s office said.

On June 3, Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, announced the formation of a committee to regulate weapons under state control, saying it had already begun its work.

Several Iraqi resistance factions, including Saraya al-Salam, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq and Kata’ib al-Imam Ali, have agreed to integrate with the national armed forces. Kata’ib Hezbollah, however, has pledged to retain its “resistance weapons” and expand its arsenal.