Two Iran-backed Iraqi militias to begin handing over weapons to authorities

Two of Iraq’s Iran-backed militias said on Tuesday that they would begin handing in their weapons to the authorities, a major step in the new government’s effort to rein in militias.

One of the groups, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, said it had formed a committee to oversee the move, inventory its fighters, weapons and equipment, and coordinate with the commander-in-chief of Iraq’s armed forces.

The second group, the Imam Ali Brigades, made a similar announcement, saying the time has come “to build a strong state with full sovereignty.”

It added that its aim was now to have weapons only with the state and help boost state institutions.

A week ago, influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said his Saraya al-Salam militia, also known as the Peace Brigades, would split from his political movement and integrate into state institutions.