On 16 September, the Iraqi Defence Ministry said a circulated cable alleging Saudi plans to strike PMF headquarters was forged. The ministry said the allegation was not based on any official Defence Ministry document or source and urged media and social-media users not to circulate it.
- Shafaqna Iraq16 Sept, 20:38
“The circulated cable about Saudi Arabia’s intention to target the Popular Mobilization Forces is forged; the allegation is false and is not based on any document or official source issued by the Defence Ministry.”
البرقية المتداولة حول نية السعودية استهداف الحشد الشعبي مزورة... عارٍ عن الصحة، ولا يستند إلى أي وثيقة أو مصدر رسمي صادر عن وزارة الدفاع