"To ensure durable stability, we must support Iraqi-led efforts to bring undisciplined armed actors that are not under the control of the state under full state control," said Denise Natali, the assistant secretary for the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Efforts.
She was speaking at an event at the Washington, D.C.-based think-tank Hudson Institute on Post-ISIS Stabilization and Reconstruction in Syria and Iraq.
Militias through the conflict with the Islamic State (ISIS) had strong links to Iran-backed groups and their loyalty to Baghdad has been a question for successive prime ministers — Haider al-Abadi and now Adil Abdul-Mahdi.
"These armed actors are one of the most serious obstacles to successful stabilization in certain areas," she added.
These groups are "expanding their influence in liberated areas."
"They obstruct assistance, they stoke sectarian tensions prevent IDP returns, destabilize local politics, and exacerbate the conflict economy," Natali said, "which in turn may fuel ISIS resurgence."
A particular hotbed for ISIS rebuilding is the disputed area of Makhmour located between Mosul and Hawija.
"These armed actors must be reined in," Natali said.
To improve services, the international community should extend assistance to Abdul-Mahdi, Natali added.
The EU and NATO missions in Iraq "compliment" US efforts; however, more is needed at the local and provincial levels.
Local officials have told Rudaw English that they feel not enough of what is being thrown at Baghdad reaches provinces such as Saladin which lie in post-ISIS ruins.
"Despite the returns of approximately 70 percent of the people displaced by ISIS, more than 1.74 million Iraqis remain displaced," Natali said.
She described training partnered Peshmerga as "critical" to success, explaining the United States has trained and 190,000 members of the Iraqi Security Forces.
The Kurdistan Region continues to host 1.5 million displaced Iraqi and Syrian refugees.
"Many of the displaced are perceived to be affiliated with ISIS and are not able or willing to return to their homes," Natali added.
