![Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi gestures during a meeting with security leaders, in Basra, Iraq August 22, 2020. Picture taken August 22, 2020. Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/C27T52DOBIXTXMS4L73Z4K3ILY.jpg?smart=true&auth=459510a4e4a3f8f3efc8f1b94a683548c796e6da06d5693c3c0d87fe01eac9e3&width=400&height=225)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi spoke to protesters and security forces in the southern province of Dhi Qar on October 5, 2020. Reuters
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi spoke to protesters and security forces in the southern province of Dhi Qar on October 5, 2020. Reuters
Iraq arrests 13 in Baghdad and Basra over illegal weapons
For years the government has faced a major challenge to rein in armed militias and keep weapons under state control