Iraq marks 105th Army Day, vows to consolidate arms control

Iraqi soldiers take part in a military parade to celebrate the Iraqi Army Day in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 6, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on Tuesday reaffirmed the state's commitment to modernize military capabilities and ensure the state's control of weapons during events marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Iraqi Army.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 89th qualifying course of the Fourth Military College cadets, al-Sudani, also the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi forces, said that the government has prioritized strengthening the armed forces over the past three years by providing modern equipment and approving a new national security strategy, according to a statement by al-Sudani's media office.

The prime minister also emphasized efforts to restore Iraq's full sovereignty and move toward ending the mission of the U.S.-led International Coalition, while establishing bilateral partnerships with member states.

"We continue to strengthen the authority and standing of the state by safeguarding security and ensuring that weapons remain exclusively under state control," al-Sudani added.

The ceremony was attended by senior Iraqi defense and security officials, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions and military attaches in Iraq.

On Jan. 6, 1921, Iraq established its first modern army battalion under the British mandate following World War I.