ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iraqi counterterrorism forces dismantled a network and seized drones in its possession that were allegedly to be used to “carry out attacks with specific targets,” the government announced late Saturday, as Baghdad seeks to disarm all armed groups by end-September. 

Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi told state media that counterterrorism and intelligence forces “were able to dismantle and infiltrate a network, arrest its members, and confiscate some of the equipment in its possession, including drones.” 

“The network was planning to carry out operations with specific targets,” Aboudi asserted.

Since assuming office, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has made the disarmament of armed groups a key priority of his government, coming as attacks by pro-Iran Iraqi militias on neighboring countries have been detrimental to the country's diplomatic prestige and provoked retaliatory strikes.

In late July, Saudi Arabia and the US conducted large-scale joint airstrikes targeting pro-Iran armed groups across Iraq, drawing condemnation from Baghdad and upping the urgency to control actors operating outside of state control.

“The operation sent a message of reassurance to the Iraqi public that the security services are proceeding … to protect the Iraqi public and send a message to the whole world,” Aboudi said. 

On Friday, Iraq’s Security Media Cell affirmed that “there is no turning back” from Baghdad’s policy to restrict weapons to the state, saying the process will ensure a “more stable environment for future generations.” 

Iraq’s ruling State Administration Coalition, in a Wednesday meeting, reaffirmed adherence to a September 30 deadline for armed groups to hand over weapons to the state, stressing that elements using Iraqi territory as a launching pad for attacks must be considered “outlaws.” 

The coalition further noted that after the deadline, “any armed activity outside the framework of the state will be dealt with under the Counter-Terrorism Law.” 

While several pro-Iran armed factions have announced their willingness to hand over their weapons and integrate into the state security apparatus, others have expressed skepticism. 

The disarmament initiative is heavily backed by Washington, which has long pushed for the groups – many of which have strong ties to Iran – to be disarmed.