PMF denies reports of a clash in Samarra

SAMARRA — The Popular Mobilization Forces denied Wednesday that its fighters had clashed with another force in Samarra, calling posts circulating on social media “completely false and not based on any facts on the ground.”

The Popular Mobilization Authority said in a statement to 964media that it “denies what has been circulated on some social media platforms regarding an armed clash between Popular Mobilization Forces and any other force in the holy city of Samarra.” Unverified posts had alleged a confrontation involving PMF Brigade 36. The authority urged the public and media to rely on official sources.

Samarra is where Saraya al-Salam handed security responsibilities to state forces as part of the government’s plan to bring all weapons under state control by Sept. 30. Kataib Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have refused to take part, and Kataib Hezbollah said Monday it would keep and expand its arsenal.