Saladin Provincial Council denies raid, arrest claims circulating online

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Saladin Provincial Council has rejected social media reports and news accounts alleging that its headquarters was raided and a member was detained, calling the claims baseless. In a statement, the council urged media outlets and social media users to verify information through official sources before circulating it. The council said it held a regular session the same day, chaired by council head Adil al-Sumaida'i. During the meeting, members reviewed reports from committees on investment, agriculture and revenue improvement. İhsan Khalid, director of the provincial veterinary hospital, briefed the council on cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever detected in the province and the measures taken in response, saying the health situation remained under control. The council also approved a decision to support the work of a central team implementing the province's anti-corruption strategy. No further details on the circumstances of the disputed reports were immediately available.