BAGHDAD, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Two Iraqi armed groups announced on Tuesday the disengagement from the paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to restrict their weaponry to state control.
In separate statements, the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq movement and the Kata'ib al-Imam Ali confirmed the establishment of committees to follow up on the procedures.
The moves followed a meeting of the ruling Coordination Framework, the largest parliamentary bloc and an umbrella alliance of Shiite parties, which endorsed the project to restrict weapons to the state and sever the PMF's ties with all political, partisan, and social frameworks.
It came days after Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ordered his armed wing Saraya al-Salam to integrate into the state. The move marks a milestone for Iraq as its government has constantly urged armed groups to dismantle paramilitary structures, restrict weapons to state control, and fully assert the rule of law across the country. ■
