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Rubio Warns Iraq Over Militia Disarmament, Sets Deadlines

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 11:30 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in New York to discuss militia disarmament.
Rubio warned Iraq could face Balkanisation if armed groups remain outside state control.
Three militias have disarmed while Kataib Hezbollah refuses to cooperate.
Al-Zaidi extended the weapons-hand-over deadline to June 30, 2027.
U.S. troops will leave Iraq on September 30, 2026, with no schedule change.

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Story summary

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in New York to discuss militia disarmament.
Rubio warned Iraq could face Balkanisation if armed groups remain outside state control.
Three militias have disarmed while Kataib Hezbollah refuses to cooperate.
Al-Zaidi extended the weapons-hand-over deadline to June 30, 2027.
U.S. troops will leave Iraq on September 30, 2026, with no schedule change.