Baghdad: The Environmental Police Directorate of the Ministry of Interior has dispelled rumors suggesting lions have escaped in the Taji area, asserting that the situation remains safe and stable.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the directorate issued a statement on Saturday reassuring residents of the Taji beach area. They confirmed that there have been no sightings of lions escaping from reserves. The statement detailed that their field units, along with security forces and relevant authorities, conducted thorough search and inspection operations across farms and nature reserves over the past three days.

The directorate emphasized, "No actual sightings of lions have been recorded outside the reserves, and the situation in the area is completely safe and stable." They further clarified that any field evidence observed, such as animal tracks or isolated incidents of livestock predation, is insufficient to conclude the presence of roaming lions.

The statement urged residents to disregard rumors and unverified news that could cause unnecessary anxiety among families. It also highlighted the readiness of the units to respond to emergencies and expressed gratitude to the citizens for their cooperation.