PMF fighters poisoned, investigation underway in Diyala

Fras Azawi, a health spokesman, confirmed to Kurdistan 24 on Sunday that 20 members of the PMF were poisoned by food consumed within a military headquarters on Saturday evening.

This is a locator map of Iraq. (Photo: AP)
This is a locator map of Iraq. (Photo: AP)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Dozens of Popular Mobilization Force (PMF) fighters were taken to hospital in Miqdadiyah, Diyala Governorate, after suffering food poisoning, according to health officials.

Fras Azawi, a health spokesman, confirmed to Kurdistan 24 on Sunday that 20 members of the PMF were poisoned by food consumed within a military headquarters on Saturday evening.

An investigation has been launched to determine the exact source of the contamination. “The necessary measures have been taken regarding the incident," Azawi added, noting that all those affected have been hospitalized and are now in stable condition.

In a separate event on the same day, an ISIS attack in Diyala province claimed the life of Wissam Mousavi, deputy commander of the second battalion of the PMF.

Three additional members were wounded during the assault, which involved an RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade) attack on the PMF force in the area.

These incidents underline the continuing security challenges in Diyala province, where both internal threats, such as the food poisoning investigation, and external threats from ISIS persist.