Iraq's government spokesperson, Haider al-Aboudi, has rejected media reports claiming that Yemen's Houthis are operating from a base in Iraq. Al-Aboudi stated that Baghdad will not allow any group to threaten neighboring countries from Iraqi territory. Meanwhile, Iraq’s Media and Communications Commission warned that outlets spreading “fake news” against state institutions and armed forces face severe punitive measures. This comes after Saudi Arabia's crucial East-West Oil Pipeline was hit by drones launched from Iraq in September.