US Envoy urges Baghdad to bring all armed groups under state control

Shafaq News – Baghdad (Updated at 8:07)

The US Special Envoy to Iraq, Mark Savaya, said Thursday that all armed groups must operate under government authority, warning that Iraq’s long-term stability depends on a unified security structure accountable to the state.

Posting on X, Savaya stated that the Iraqi government has made “important progress” in restoring state authority and limiting foreign influence, emphasizing that continued reform is crucial to strengthening national sovereignty.

“There is no place for factions acting outside the chain of command. Iraq’s stability depends on one security apparatus under the Commander-in-Chief and one flag representing all Iraqis.”

OFFICIAL STATEMENTOver the past three years, Iraq’s leadership has taken important steps to guide the country in the right direction, both politically and economically. Iraq has begun to reemerge as a sovereign state, working to reduce external influences, bring all weapons…

— Mark Savaya (@Mark_Savaya) October 30, 2025

The envoy, who was appointed on October 19, 2025, said his mission reflects Washington’s continued commitment to supporting Iraq’s sovereignty and economic development.

Iraqi officials have not yet commented on Savaya’s remarks.

Read more: Back on Washington’s radar: Iraq’s return to the US strategic map