On 30 September, Kurdistan24 reported that Muqtada al-Sadr called for weapons to come under state control, political leaders to step aside, and political and security reforms after the coalition mission ended. In reporting published the same day, 964media quoted Ashab al-Kahf (assessed Nujaba front) rejecting weapons handover and saying foreign military presence on the ground or in the air would face a military response from the night of 30 September. Al-Ahad TV (AAH — official) separately quoted Badr bloc leader Abdul Hussein al-Dhalimi calling the organization of weapons and extension of sovereignty an Iraqi demand.
- 964media30 Sept, 11:20
“Ashab al-Kahf said it would monitor U.S. aircraft and ground movements in Iraq and respond militarily to foreign presence from the night of 30 September, rejecting weapons handover.”
The armed group Ashab al-Kahf said it would monitor U.S. aircraft and ground movements in Iraq and respond militarily to any foreign presence from the night of Sept. 30, rejecting any handover of its weapons.
- Kurdistan2430 Sept, 12:34
“The cleric calls for weapons to be placed under state control, political leaders to step aside, and stronger Iraqi security forces.”
Shiite cleric calls for weapons to be placed under state control, political leaders to step aside, and stronger Iraqi security forces
- Al-Ahad TVAAH — official30 Sept, 13:50
“Badr bloc leader Abdul Hussein al-Dhalimi: Organizing weapons and extending sovereignty is an Iraqi demand.”
القيادي في كتلة بدر عبد الحسين الظالمي: تنظيم السلاح وبسط السيادة مطلب عراقي
Agreement that sovereignty matters does not settle the contested question of who controls weapons after the coalition mission.