Ministry blames ISIS-era conditions for 49,000 tons of spoiled wheat

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Trade on Thursday responded to reports of widespread wheat spoilage, saying the 49,000 tons in question were damaged while stored in areas held by the Islamic State group prior to their liberation in 2018.

In a statement, the ministry said the wheat had been kept “in unsuitable conditions and exposed to severe climatic factors such as rain and humidity for more than two years during the terrorist organization’s control.” It emphasized the damage occurred before the ministry regained access to the storage sites.

“The ministry had no role in storing it at the time,” the statement said, adding that officials documented the condition of the wheat following the liberation of those areas. It also stressed that all actions taken since then were “in accordance with established legal and oversight protocols to ensure public health and protect public funds.”

The ministry warned against the circulation of “inaccurate information” aimed at distorting facts or causing public confusion, and called on media outlets and social media users to verify claims with official sources.

The Islamic State seized large swaths of Iraq in 2014, including Mosul and parts of Nineveh, Salah al-Din, and Anbar. The group maintained control for several years, imposing harsh rule and damaging state infrastructure before being ousted in 2017 by Iraqi and Kurdish forces backed by a U.S.-led coalition.