Baghdad: The Ministry of Interior on Wednesday denied reports circulating on social media claiming that a train carrying pilgrims from the capital Baghdad to the holy city of Karbala had come under gunfire.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the ministry clarified that allegations about so-called ‘ISIS sleeper cells’ opening fire on the train near the Yusufiyah area, within Baghdad’s southern belt, were completely baseless, stressing that no casualties were recorded.

The ministry further explained that trains are occasionally subjected to stone-throwing incidents by some children, noting that ongoing campaigns are in place to curb such uncivil behaviors.

Additionally, the ministry urged media outlets and social media users to verify information and rely solely on official sources when reporting news.