Qaani’s visit to Iraq focused on preventing clashes with security forces: Sources

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani has visited Iraq, sources said on Monday, adding that his visit focused on preventing clashes between Tehran-backed militias and security forces.

They added that during his visit, Qaani met with a number of leaders of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) and other armed factions, in addition to leaders in the coordination framework.

Qaani was also discussing the issue of placing weapons under the control of the Iraqi state, according to the sources.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in June set a deadline until September 30 for all armed factions in Iraq to turn over their weapons to the state.

The ruling coalition in Iraq called for adherence to the timelines set for the steps to bring weapons under state control, which begin after the deadline, stressing that illegal possession of arms would then be dealt with under the Counter-Terrorism Law.