Interior Ministry also shuts 71 fake offices claiming PMF links as Baghdad moves to bring firearms under state control
BAGHDAD: Iraq’s Interior Ministry has created a nationwide information database to register approximately six million weapons as authorities intensify efforts to bring firearms under state control and strengthen the country’s security institutions.
The ministry announced the initiative on Monday in a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency, describing it as part of the government’s broader campaign to regulate weapons possession across the country.
However, officials did not immediately explain how authorities collected information about the estimated six million weapons or provide details about their geographical distribution.
The announcement follows the opening of firearms registration and licensing offices across Iraq on Friday, allowing weapon owners to formally register their firearms under the government programme.
Authorities Close Fake PMF Offices
Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry said security authorities had closed 71 fraudulent offices that falsely claimed affiliation with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a state-backed umbrella organisation comprising numerous armed groups.
The ministry did not disclose where authorities discovered the offices or whether security forces detained anyone in connection with their operations.
Furthermore, officials have not clarified whether the closures directly relate to the nationwide weapons-registration campaign.
Government Seeks Greater State Control
On June 3, Iraqi military spokesman Sabah al-Numan announced the creation of a committee responsible for implementing the government’s strategy to place weapons under state authority.
Weapons operating beyond direct government control remain one of Iraq’s most persistent political and security challenges. Several armed factions operate across the country, including groups affiliated with the PMF and others functioning independently.
Consequently, Baghdad has increasingly sought to regulate firearms and consolidate the authority of official security institutions.
The government views stronger control over weapons as essential for improving domestic stability, reducing the influence of unauthorized armed groups and preventing regional conflicts from spilling into Iraq.
Authorities are expected to continue expanding registration and licensing procedures as the government implements its nationwide weapons-control strategy.
