Iraqi prime minister sets June 30 deadline to disarm groups outside state control

Iraq's prime minister has set a June 30 deadline for disarming armed groups operating outside the authority of the state, according to Anadolu Agency, as he addressed the completion of the US-led coalition's mission in the country.

The premier congratulated the Iraqi people on the conclusion of the coalition mission and pledged what he described as a new beginning for the country, though specific details on how the disarmament process would be implemented were not outlined in available reporting.

A long-running challenge

The question of armed groups operating outside formal state command has remained a persistent issue in Iraqi politics for years, with various militias and factions holding influence alongside the country's official security forces since the aftermath of the 2003 war.

Setting a firm deadline for disarmament signals an effort by the government to assert greater central authority over the security landscape, though the practical challenges of enforcing such a timeline against established armed factions are considerable.

It remains to be seen how the affected groups will respond to the deadline, and whether the government has outlined concrete mechanisms or incentives to achieve compliance by the stated date.