Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces reject claims its chief was tipped off before US embassy attack

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) denied allegations that the organization's head, Falah Falyaz, was warned in advance of an attack that targeted U.S. bases in Baghdad. In a statement, the PMF rejected claims that Falyaz received prior intelligence and did not alert military units to the incoming strikes. The statement said all units had been placed on alert months earlier and that the highest level of readiness had been ordered across all brigades two days before the attack. The PMF said those measures helped limit casualties. The organization also announced an immediate investigation into officials at the 30th Brigade for failing to take adequate protective steps. It said the 30th Brigade failed to fully implement the required precautions and suffered the highest number of martyrs as a result. The PMF accused some political actors of using the martyrs' blood for political score-settling and said it reserved the right to pursue legal action against individuals found to have spread unfounded claims and reports. No further details on the investigation or its timeline were immediately available.