Iraq's Sadr Says he Is Dissolving Armed Faction Loyal to him

Sadr after casting his vote in this year's parliamentary elections. (AP)
Sadr after casting his vote in this year's parliamentary elections. (AP)
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Iraq's Sadr Says he Is Dissolving Armed Faction Loyal to him

Sadr after casting his vote in this year's parliamentary elections. (AP)
Sadr after casting his vote in this year's parliamentary elections. (AP)

Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said on Friday he was dissolving the Promised Day Brigade, an armed faction loyal to him, and closing its headquarters, according to a statement published on his Twitter page.

On Thursday, Sadr urged paramilitary groups to purge what he called undisciplined members, and said non-state armed groups should hand in their weapons.

Iranian-backed Shiite militias have been accused of an attempt to kill outgoing Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi with armed drones on Nov. 7.



Belgium Air Force Drops First in its Series of Aid Packages over Gaza

Palestinians climb onto trucks as they seek for aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, August 1, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa/File Photo
Palestinians climb onto trucks as they seek for aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, August 1, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa/File Photo
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Belgium Air Force Drops First in its Series of Aid Packages over Gaza

Palestinians climb onto trucks as they seek for aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, August 1, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa/File Photo
Palestinians climb onto trucks as they seek for aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, August 1, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa/File Photo

Belgium's air force dropped the first in a series of its aid packages in Gaza on Sunday in cooperation with Jordan, Belgium's defense ministry said in a statement.

Days earlier, Belgium said it will take part in a multi-country operation coordinated by Jordan to airdrop aid to Gaza, as UN agencies warn the Palestinian territory is slipping into famine.

It was announced that the Belgian plane will be carrying medical supplies and food worth some 600,000 euros ($690,000), and will remain on stand-by to conduct air drops in coordination with Amman.

Belgium joins a string of Western nations including France, Spain and Britain looking to send aid into Gaza by air as fears mount of mass starvation in the territory.