Baghdad: Iraq's Interior Ministry announced the creation of a comprehensive database to register approximately 6 million weapons countrywide. In a statement released by the Iraqi News Agency, the ministry also revealed the closure of 71 fake offices that falsely claimed affiliations with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an official umbrella organization comprising various Shiite armed groups.
According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry did not specify the locations of these shuttered offices. This development follows the recent establishment of firearms registration and licensing offices across Iraq, aligning with a governmental initiative aimed at centralizing weapon control under state jurisdiction. Ministry spokesman Miqdad Miri highlighted the committee's task of enforcing a national policy initiated in January 2023 to regulate the possession and use of weapons.
Miri outlined the committee's strategic four-phase approach, which includes preparing a database, registering citizens' weapons, conducting inspections, and achieving long-term security and sustainable development. The ministry anticipates completing these phases by 2030, with the overarching goal of regulating weapons, curbing armed manifestations, ensuring security, and fostering economic prosperity.
The spokesman emphasized that over half a million weapons have already been registered through citizen submissions. Additionally, Miri warned that individuals operating drones without official approval would face consequences under Iraq's anti-terrorism law, targeting those using drones for non-peaceful or illegal purposes.
This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to consolidate control over weapons, thereby reinforcing the authority of state security institutions. The effort is crucial in addressing Iraq's ongoing security and political challenges, posed by various armed groups, including those affiliated with the PMF and independent factions. The Iraqi government aims to enhance domestic stability and shield the nation from regional tensions through these measures.