Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib al-Imam Ali Announce Transfer of Weapons to Iraqi State Authority

Two significant Iran-linked PMF factions — Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH, designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US) and Kataib al-Imam Ali — announced they would sever ties with the PMF and transfer all weapons, personnel, and equipment to Iraqi state authority. AAH, whose Sadiqoon bloc holds seats in parliament, announced formation of a central committee to oversee the handover process, referencing Ayatollah Sistani's guidance on state authority. The announcement was led by Hajj Jawad al-Talibawi. Kataib al-Imam Ali formed three parallel committees: weapons inventory and handover; families of fallen fighters; and personnel reintegration into state bodies. The announcements represented the most significant militia-to-state integration pledge since Muqtada al-Sadr's dissolution of Saraya al-Salam five days earlier, and were part of a broader process involving PM Zaidi's new government. PM Zaidi met delegations from both groups on June 3 and publicly welcomed the moves as a 'responsible stance,' forming a joint government-militia committee to finalize disengagement 'within two days.' The moves received public endorsement from US Envoy Tom Barrack and the US Embassy, and were consistent with the Shiite Coordination Framework's stated commitment to 'state monopoly over arms.' Analysts cautioned that practical implementation would require robust verification mechanisms, noting that AAH had previously coordinated attacks on US forces and maintained operational links to Iranian IRGC-Quds Force.