Daijiworld Media Network – Baghdad
Baghdad, Aug 13: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has stepped up efforts to strengthen the country's security capabilities as his government faces growing pressure to bring Iran-backed militias under state control.
Zaidi on August 12 visited the Operations Centre at the Air Defence Command to assess Iraq's air defence readiness and its ability to protect the country's airspace and sovereignty.
The visit came as Iraq prepares for the full withdrawal of international coalition forces under an Iraqi-American agreement by September 30. The government said strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi Armed Forces and air defence systems has become increasingly important as Iraq prepares to take complete responsibility for protecting its airspace.
During the visit, Zaidi received a detailed briefing on the country's air defence system, including operational sectors and plans to strengthen specialised units under the 2026-2031 Air Defence Capability Building Plan. The plan focuses on improving radar surveillance, weapons systems and command-and-control capabilities.
The Iraqi prime minister is also facing a major political challenge over the future of powerful Iran-backed armed groups operating in the country. Baghdad is moving towards legislation aimed at placing weapons under state control, a move that could significantly reduce the independent military influence of several powerful militias.
The developments have also drawn a response from Iran. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force chief Esmail Ghaani reportedly travelled to Iraq earlier this week to meet political leaders and rally support for the Iran-backed factions.
Some militia groups have already rejected calls to surrender their weapons. The Nujaba Movement, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States, has reportedly opposed efforts to bring all arms under government control.
Zaidi has maintained that Iraqi territory and airspace should not be used to launch attacks against neighbouring countries. His government is also reportedly considering action against factions that refuse to surrender their weapons after the deadline set by Baghdad.
The challenge comes against the backdrop of decades of Iranian influence over Iraqi armed groups. Several of these factions emerged from Shiite opposition groups during the Saddam Hussein era, while others were formed after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.
The rise of Islamic State in 2014 further strengthened the position of several militias, many of which joined the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) after a call by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani to defend Iraq. Although the PMF was later incorporated into the country's security structure, some powerful factions retained separate chains of command and close links with Iran.
In recent years, some of these groups have been accused of carrying out rocket and drone attacks against US and coalition forces and threatening Iraqi political opponents and activists.
The United States has designated several Iran-backed Iraqi factions as terrorist organisations or sanctioned entities, arguing that they continue to receive weapons, funding and guidance from Iran's IRGC-Quds Force.
Zaidi's efforts to strengthen state security institutions and bring armed groups under government control are therefore likely to become a key test of his leadership as Iraq moves towards greater responsibility for its own security.