Militia

Iraq PM hosts Iranian-backed militias to push disarmament, consolidate state control

Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi met Iranian-backed militias to push them to disarm and join state command, aiming to limit armed group influence while avoiding conflict.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi delivers a televised address after assuming office, in Baghdad, Iraq May 16, 2026.
A mourner attends the funeral of a commander from Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah armed group who was killed in what they called a "Zionist attack" in the Syrian capital Damascus on Friday, during a funeral in Baghdad, Iraq September 22, 2024.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq signal move to place weapons under state control amid US pressure

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi man accused of helping Iran-backed militia's plans for attacks in the United States and Europe, stands before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon during his arraignment in Manhattan federal court in New York City, US, June 1, 2026 in a courtroom sketch

'We are in a war,' alleged Iran-backed militant exclaims in US court

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi delivers a televised address after assuming office, in Baghdad, Iraq May 16, 2026.

Iraqi Prime Minister urges armed factions to disarm and join state institutions


Iran tensions spotlight militias in Iraq's role in regional conflict - analysis

Iraqs militias serve Iran's interests and control parts of Iraq. Thus, during tensions between Iran and the US, they are used to enforce Iran’s policies.

Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim men from the Iranian-backed group Kataib Hezbollah wave the party's flags as they walk along a street painted in the colours of the Israeli flag during a parade marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in Baghdad

China-backed militia secures control of new rare earth mines in Myanmar

Beijing is heavily reliant on Myanmar for the rare earth metals and oxides needed to power critical goods like wind turbines, medical devices and electric vehicles.

 United Wa State Army (UWSA) soldiers seen in tin mine factory at Man Maw at ethnic Wa territory in northeast Myanmar October 5, 2016. Picture taken on October 5, 2016.

Gaza militia leader denies involvement in aid killings, discusses PA, GHF collaboration

Yasser Abu Shabab confirmed cooperation with certain PA officials and hinted at possible alignment with a broader national framework.

 members of the Abu Shabab Popular Forces militia in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza militia leader Abu Shabab: Haven't ruled out coordination with IDF on aid

"Our weapons are not from Israel - they are simple weapons that we collected from the local population," Abu Shabab said.

 Image of militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab.

Repeating old mistakes: Arming our enemies' enemy is never a long term fix - editorial

The decision to arm the Rafah-centered militia may have been procedurally flawed, and reflects a long-standing Israeli doctrine.

A Palestinian Hamas terrorist displays guns on the day of the handover of hostages,  in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 22, 2025.

Will arming Gazan militias against Hamas harm Israel in the long run? - analysis

Relying on a tribal militia or clan in Gaza may work in the short term. However, in the long term it is unlikely to achieve success.

 Armed men attend the funeral of Rawhi Mushtaha, a senior Hamas official and Sami Odeh, Hamas' general security service commander, who were killed in an Israeli strike during the war, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City January 24, 2025.

Beware misinformation on Ethiopia's Fano militias and situation in Amhara - opinion

Let’s be clear: there is no existential threat posed by the Federal Government of Ethiopia against the Amhara people, writes the author.

 Amhara is one of the nine ethnic divisions (kililoch) of Ethiopia, containing the homeland of the Amhara people. Previously known as Region 3, its capital is Bahir Dar.

How Iraqi militias siphoned billions from Visa and Mastercard for Iran - WSJ

US and Iraqi authorities revealed a complex scheme involving prepaid cards that funneled illicit funds to Iranian-backed terror militias.

 Members of the Iran-backed Iraqi militias al-Nujaba and Kataib Hezbollah appear in Baghdad on December 4, 2023.

Authorities declare state of emergency in Tripoli, Libya after powerful militia leader assassinated

Clashes erupted between the 444th Brigade and the Stability Support Apparatus, two of the most powerful Tripoli militias.

 Members of Libya's influential militia, the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), pictured in 2022; illustrative.

Yemen gov't announces new PM as most of the country remains out of their control

Yemen's former Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak steps down and will be replaced by former Finance Minister, Salem Saleh Bin Braik

Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, hold weapons to mark the annual al-Quds Day on the last Friday of Ramadan, in Sana'a, Yemen, March 28, 2025