Iraq’s military forces were front and centre last week as the country celebrated the 104th anniversary of its army’s founding. However, this year’s Army Day wasn’t just about reflecting on the past—it was also about looking forward, with growing calls for the nation’s military to maintain exclusive control over weapons and ensure a more unified approach to security.
The grand parade, held in Baghdad, was a display of pride and strength, attended by high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Defence Minister Thabit al-Abbasi. Under the theme “A Hand for Peace and Security, A Hand for Construction and Development,” the celebrations recognised not only the sacrifices made by Iraq’s army but also the transformation of the force from a tool of dictatorship to the national institution it is today.
In his speech, Prime Minister al-Sudani acknowledged the army’s critical role in defending Iraq’s sovereignty, particularly during the fight against terrorism. “Our army is no longer a tool in the hands of a ruler, but a national institution guided by laws and human rights principles,” he said. The prime minister’s words were a reminder of how the army has evolved, particularly since the fall of the dictatorship, and how it’s now central to the country’s stability.
But amid the celebration, political tensions simmered. The future of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF)—a coalition of mostly Iran-backed groups integrated into the army in 2016—remains highly debated. While the PMF played a crucial role in defeating ISIS, it has increasingly come under scrutiny for operating as a parallel force with deep ties to Iran, raising concerns both domestically and abroad.
The United States has been vocal in calling for the PMF to be dissolved or more strictly controlled, urging Iraq to rein in rogue factions. But al-Sudani remains firm, rejecting external pressure. “It is unacceptable for conditions or dictates to be imposed on Iraq,” he said, reinforcing the notion that the PMF is legally and institutionally a part of the Iraqi armed forces.
One of the key talking points during Army Day celebrations was the pressing need for exclusive military control over weapons. This issue has gained particular urgency in light of increasing violence and calls from within Iraq for stricter regulations on armed groups. Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Shia National Movement, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Arms must remain solely in the hands of the army and security forces. No weapons should be in the possession of factions or unregulated groups.” It’s a call that’s clearly resonating with many Iraqis, as the country looks to ensure security and sovereignty in the face of mounting external and internal pressures.
While modernising the military remains a top priority for Iraq, the challenges are substantial. Defence Minister al-Abbasi highlighted a series of new defence partnerships with global companies such as France’s Thales for radar systems and South Korea’s LIG for surface-to-air missiles. Infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Al-Suwaira Base and the Air Force College, are also part of the effort to strengthen Iraq’s defences.
Despite these advances, Iraq still grapples with divisions within its army. While the army remains a symbol of resilience, it is also seen as a deeply polarising force, particularly in the Kurdish region, where historical conflicts with the Iraqi army have left a legacy of distrust. Army Day, though officially a national holiday, is not celebrated in the Kurdish region, where some view the day with suspicion.
Nevertheless, the army’s role in national security remains crucial. As the Iraqi government looks to modernise its forces and solidify control over its weapons, the future of Iraq’s military—especially in relation to the PMF—remains uncertain. The celebrations this year were a reminder that while the army has come a long way, the road to full unity and reform is still a work in progress.
