Iraq denies reports of troop movements in western Iraq

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Security Media Cell on Monday denied reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets claiming that the commander-in-chief of the armed forces had ordered the withdrawal or redeployment of security or military units from their positions in western Iraq.

In a statement, the Security Media Cell said it “denies what has been circulated on some social media platforms and in some media outlets regarding the issuance of an order by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to withdraw or move any security or military units from their positions in the western region.”

The statement added that “these reports are completely false, and no directive has been issued in this regard, and that security units are carrying out their normal duties in accordance with the established plans.”

The cell urged “media outlets and social media users to rely on official statements issued by it, exercise accuracy in transmitting information, and avoid being drawn into rumors.”

The denial comes as Iraq faces heightened security tensions following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes inside Iran and retaliatory missile and drone launches across the region. In recent days, armed factions operating under the name Islamic Resistance in Iraq have claimed dozens of drone and rocket attacks on U.S. bases, while projectiles targeting sites near Erbil International Airport were intercepted.

Airstrikes have also struck areas including Jurf al-Nasr in Babil and positions in Diyala governorate, prompting airspace closures and emergency security meetings chaired by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who has directed security forces to prevent any actions that could drag Iraq into ongoing regional conflicts.