Baghdad: Baghdad Operations Command issued a clarification regarding the sounds heard in al-Karkh side of Baghdad. The command said in a statement: “The atmosphere in the capital, Baghdad, is safe and stable,” indicating: “The sounds heard in al-Karkh area were the result of a fireworks celebration marking the opening of the Iraqi Industries Exhibition, affiliated with the Ministry of Industry and Minerals.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the command called on citizens “not to be drawn into rumors and to rest assured that the atmosphere in the capital, Baghdad, is safe and stable.”