Khazali’s Opposition to Disarming Iraqi Resistance Groups

TEHRAN (Defapress) - According to Al-Mayadeen, while the popular forces in Iraq have been at the forefront of the fight against terrorist groups, including ISIS, there are now interventionist demands from the United States and its allies to disarm these groups—an issue that has sparked a wave of opposition in Iraq.

Qais al-Khazali, Secretary-General of the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq movement, rejected the proposal to disarm Iraqi Resistance groups, pointing to the ongoing threats facing the country.

He emphasized that the weapons of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have not been used in internal conflicts or disputes but are instead a highly disciplined and legal tool used solely to counter external threats. The weapons of the Resistance Axis have been employed to defend the interests of Iraq.

Al-Khazali stressed that the use of Resistance weapons occurred when Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its people were at risk, and they were used against the American occupation, which is a legal right.

He clarified that when ISIS occupied Iraq, the weapons of the Resistance groups were utilized, and this is a legitimate right. These weapons have also been used to aid the people of Gaza and Palestinian Muslims. He added that they have not used these weapons in situations that jeopardize Iraq’s national interests.

Al-Khazali further stated that if the army, federal police, and counter-terrorism apparatus are sufficiently capable of confronting threats, there would be no need for these weapons. However, if Iraq faces greater dangers, the use of these weapons will undoubtedly become necessary.