Muqtada al-Sadr says US should compensate Iraqis as last American forces leave

Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has urged the United States to compensate Iraqis for the damages caused by its 12-year occupation of the country as the last American troops withdraw. Speaking on the deadline for the US withdrawal, Sadr praised Iraq's independence and praised those who opposed the occupation. He demanded that all Iraqis file legal complaints regarding the damages caused by the US occupation.

Sadr also called on the US and neighboring countries to refrain from interfering in Iraq's affairs, warning that such interference could lead to severed relations and regional conflicts. He suggested that the remnants of the Mahdi Army, which he led during the original US occupation, should be reorganized as the Supporters of Imam al-Mahdi Foundation.

Sadr also called for the politicians in Iraq to step down and for all weapons to be placed under the control of the state. The question of integrating Iran-backed armed groups into Iraq's regular security forces remains a challenge following the US troop withdrawal, as many of these groups have indicated they will not disarm.