Iraqi prime minister vows crackdown on unauthorized weapons

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has affirmed that his government will confront any weapons outside the framework of the state with the full force of the law, stressing that it will not allow the presence of arms that threaten security or are used to extort citizens.

Al-Zaidi said that enforcing state authority and protecting citizens' security are top priorities, reiterating his rejection of any armed presence outside official state institutions.

On Monday, the prime minister ordered the cancellation of three operational contracts at Mosul International Airport due to the contracting companies' links to armed groups, transferring those services to international firms.

The decision included terminating the contract with Sky Plus for airport counter rentals, the contract with Sama Al-Matar for leasing the uncovered internal parking lot, and the contract with Al-Faisal Al-Shamikh for operating the airport taxi office.

These measures are part of the Iraqi government's efforts to end the involvement of armed groups in public institutions and facilities, and to strengthen state control over its vital assets.