A screen grab from Al Arabiya Al Hadath shows a convoy of vehicles carrying Iranian and Popular Mobilization Forces flags, described in the broadcast as moving from Basra toward Iran.
Iraq warns Al Arabiya, Al Jazeera English over coverage of strikes
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission issued formal warnings to Al Arabiya Al Hadath and Al Jazeera English on Monday over reports it said violated national broadcasting regulations, threatening suspension of operations for repeat violations.
The commission said Al Arabiya Al Hadath aired a report on March 28 showing footage of a convoy of pickup trucks carrying Iranian and PMF flags, which the channel described as “movement of Popular Mobilization Forces from Basra toward Iran.” Iraqi authorities said the convoy was a humanitarian aid mission and the report was misleading. The channel later removed the content. The commission ordered a formal apology published in accordance with approved procedures.
Al Jazeera English was warned over a March 26 report on the strike on Habbaniyah base in Anbar, which the commission said contained “misleading information to public opinion and an offense to Iraqi state institutions.” The channel was ordered to remove the report or broadcast an official clarification “in line with approved data and the official position of the Iraqi state.”
The commission warned that publishing geographic coordinates of sensitive sites or broadcasting footage revealing security forces’ movements constitutes a clear violation of broadcasting rules, as it “could provide hostile actors with information that endangers lives.” It said repeated violations could result in suspension of operations within Iraq and direct accountability for journalists and media workers.
The warnings come as Iraq navigates an increasingly sensitive information environment, with the government under pressure over simultaneous attacks from Iran-aligned factions and U.S.-attributed airstrikes.