He has ordered the dissolution of his Saraya al-Salam (Peace Brigades) in all areas except Samarra and Karbala – both home to important Shiite shrines. He will also maintain forces in Baghdad where he has his stronghold of Sadr city.
The order was made “for the sake of public interest and to strengthen the next Iraqi government – if any – and strengthen the army, police and security forces,” read a notice published on his website.
On Wednesday, Sadr had ordered the temporary suspension of his militia in Basra.
With the suspension, he ordered that weapons provided by the state must be returned, adding that the next step will be the return of vehicles and other properties.
He also banned the wearing of military uniform by his militiamen, except for those in Samara and Karbala and demanded the establishment of proper storage of weapons.
At least 18 people were killed in twin explosions at an arms depot in Sadr City earlier this month. Reports indicate the weapons belonged to Sadr’s militias.
Sadr also banned his militias from conducting any military missions outside of Iraq.
The orders issued today will expire in five years, the statement added.
Sadr, who used to head the Mahdi Army – the force was resurrected as the Peace Brigades in 2014 when ISIS appeared on the scene, campaigned for the disarming of militias. He has said that all weapons must be in the hands of the state.
The influential Shiite cleric emerged as political kingmaker after his coalition won the most votes in Iraq’s May 12 parliamentary election. The election results have been contested and a recount is underway.
