Iraqi Interior Ministry warns of rising disinformation campaigns on social media

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Interior Ministry said it has detected an increase in disinformation and psychological operations on social media aimed at spreading fear among citizens. Maj. Gen. Mikdad Miri, head of the ministry's Media and Relations Department, said in a written statement that unidentified parties have been circulating fabricated news, recycled footage and misleading information to undermine public security. Miri said the campaigns have failed to achieve their objectives due to rising public awareness and rapid response by security agencies. The ministry urged citizens not to engage with rumors and to rely on its official channels for accurate information. The statement warned that unverified news serves the goals of those running the campaigns, adding that authentic information is issued only through state channels. The ministry said it will continue monitoring the activity and pursue legal action against those spreading false information.