Iraqi security forces arrested 14 suspects belonging to the 45th and 46th Brigades of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) following clashes in the Saydia district, west of Baghdad, "earlier today," according to a statement from Iraq's Security Media Cell. The Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief has ordered an investigation into the incident, which involved PMF groups attempting to seize the Directorate of Agriculture in Saydia. The arrested individuals have been referred to the judiciary, as reported by the Security Media Cell. Photos of the arrested Kataib Hezbollah militants were published by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior. Reports indicate fatalities among Iraqi security forces during the clashes with Hezbollah elements in Baghdad. Meanwhile, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani stated that the salaries of Kurdistan Region citizens have become a "political bargaining chip" between Erbil and Baghdad. "The constitution and the law entitle public servants in the Kurdistan Region to receive their salaries regularly, without delay or complications," Barzani said in comments to Asharq News, adding that "Using salaries as a tool for political pressure is unacceptable."
