Baghdad: The Iraqi Ministry of Interior has categorically denied reports circulating on social media claiming that Iraqi Civil Defense teams were subjected to a terrorist attack while participating in firefighting operations in Syria’s coastal region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, in an official statement, Brigadier General Muqdad Meri, Head of the Ministry’s Media and Public Relations Department, stated: ‘The reports alleging that Iraqi Civil Defense personnel came under extremist terrorist attack and were injured or hospitalized in Latakia are completely false.’

Meri confirmed that the teams had successfully completed their humanitarian mission and returned to Iraq yesterday without encountering any security incidents or injuries. He noted that their efforts were met with appreciation from official authorities in the Syrian Arab Republic.

He urged the public and media outlets to verify information and rely on official sources to avoid spreading misinformation or causing unnecessary public concern.