2026-05-13: Al-Sadr Issues Directives to Saraya al-Salam
Based on an analysis of 447 Facebook posts trending on May 13, 2026, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives dominating online discourse in Iraq. The most prominent story, driven by high engagement, revolves around new directives issued by Muqtada al-Sadr to his Saraya al-Salam followers. This is followed by significant attention on controversial statements and corruption allegations made by former Minister of Communications Hiyam al-Yasiri, which have now resulted in a lawsuit against her. Public discontent is also a major theme, with widespread frustration over severe electricity shortages as summer temperatures rise. In parallel, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s office has been actively promoting a list of government achievements. Finally, a significant geopolitical story concerning a Reuters report on alleged Saudi and Kuwaiti airstrikes inside Iraq is also circulating widely.
Table Of Content
- 1. Al-Sadr Issues Directives to Saraya al-Salam
- 2. Former Minister Al-Yasiri Accuses “Nine Leaders”
- 3. Public Anger Mounts Over Electricity Shortages
- 4. PM Al-Sudani Lists Government Accomplishments
- 5. Reuters: Saudi & Kuwaiti Strikes Hit Factions in Iraq
- 6. Arrests Made in Abduction and Assault of Two Girls
- 7. Health Minister Sues Hiyam Al-Yasiri for Defamation
- 8. Interior Minister Oversees Border and Pilgrimage Security
- 9. Parliament Prepares for Vote on New Al-Zaydi Government
- 10. Concerns Rise as Diyala River Water Levels Drop Sharply
Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:
1. Al-Sadr Issues Directives to Saraya al-Salam
The most impactful story of the day involves directives from cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to his followers in Saraya al-Salam. According to his official page, The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 100%), al-Sadr stated his responsibility is to guide them away from worldly temptations and preserve their reputation, saying, “My beloved, I want nothing for you but good and righteousness… this is my greatest concern.” The page later followed up, reporting that a committee had received approximately 1,200 vehicles and that al-Sadr had new directives, telling followers to “wait for them.” Other pages, including From Baghdad (Post Impact: 4%), reported that these new rules restrict Saraya al-Salam members to driving only Korean and Chinese-made cars. This news was also shared by the Saraya al-Salam – Central Media Directorate (Post Impact: 6%).
2. Former Minister Al-Yasiri Accuses “Nine Leaders”
A video of former Minister of Communications, Hiyam al-Yasiri, has gone viral after being shared by pages like Mohammed Nasser Khalif (Post Impact: 64%). In the clip, she calls on the Iraqi people to “liberate Iraq” from nine unnamed political leaders. In a separate statement highlighted by the page Technology and Communications (Post Impact: 27%), Al-Yasiri claims that an individual who was reinstated at the Ministry of Communications after her departure is equivalent to “Nour Zuhair”, referencing a figure from a major corruption scandal. These strong accusations have triggered significant political fallout and discussion across the platform.
3. Public Anger Mounts Over Electricity Shortages
Widespread public frustration over the deteriorating state of national electricity is a dominant theme. A highly engaged post from Set Ashwaq Om Al Qanounia (Post Impact: 51%) sharply criticizes the constant power cuts, contrasting the situation in Iraq with the stable electricity supply in Gulf countries and even in sanctioned Iran. The page sarcastically notes that online government supporters must be enjoying full services. Similarly, a reel by Haider Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 60%) questions Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s handling of the electricity file. The issue is especially severe in some provinces, as highlighted by Mohammed Nasser Khalif (Post Impact: 15%), who reported that Nasiriyah is experiencing a cycle of five hours of power outage for every one hour of intermittent supply.
4. PM Al-Sudani Lists Government Accomplishments
The official Facebook page of Prime Minister Engineer Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani (Post Impact: 58%) published a detailed list of his government’s achievements since taking office in late 2022. The post outlines progress across five priorities: combating corruption, fighting poverty, addressing unemployment, administrative reform, and improving services. Key achievements cited include increasing electricity production to 29,000 megawatts, reducing unemployment from 16.5% to 13.5%, achieving self-sufficiency in wheat, launching the Development Road project, and reducing Iraq’s foreign debt. The prime minister’s page also shared a video of a special address (Post Impact: 45%) covering these topics.
5. Reuters: Saudi & Kuwaiti Strikes Hit Factions in Iraq
A Reuters report alleging secret military actions by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait inside Iraq is being widely discussed. Pages like The Clean Brotherhood (Post Impact: 26%) and The Tactical Cell (Post Impact: 7%) shared the story, which claims Saudi warplanes conducted airstrikes in February 2026 against sites used by Iran-backed factions. The report also alleges that missile strikes were launched from Kuwaiti territory against a facility used by Kata’ib between Safwan and Khor al-Zubair in Basra. While there has been no official confirmation, The Tactical Cell (Post Impact: 6%) offered analysis suggesting the leaked information could be part of an Israeli-driven effort to escalate regional tensions.
6. Arrests Made in Abduction and Assault of Two Girls
A horrifying crime has drawn significant attention and condemnation, with reports of the arrest of criminals who abducted and assaulted two young girls, aged four and five. According to pages such as Support for Iraqi Security Forces (Post Impact: 11%) and Iraqis Only (Post Impact: 7%), the perpetrators allegedly threw the two children into a river after the assault. The news sparked outrage online, with many expressing their shock and grief. A reel by Ammar Al-Hilfi (Post Impact: 6%) shared an emotional reaction to a testimony where one of the girls was heard crying out for help.
7. Health Minister Sues Hiyam Al-Yasiri for Defamation
Following her recent controversial statements, former Minister of Communications Hiyam Al-Yasiri is now facing legal action. The page Technology and Communications (Post Impact: 6%) reported that the current Minister of Health, Dr. Saleh al-Hasnawi, has filed a formal lawsuit against Al-Yasiri for “defamation.” The complaint was filed at the Karkh Investigation Court, which specializes in media and publishing cases. The news was also shared by From Baghdad (Post Impact: 2%), noting the lawsuit stems from documents and accusations Al-Yasiri published on social media regarding administrative files at the Ministry of Communications.
8. Interior Minister Oversees Border and Pilgrimage Security
The Ministry of Interior has been active in publicizing its security efforts. The Media Office of the Minister of Interior (Post Impact: 3%) reported that Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari chaired a quarterly conference for the Border Forces Command. During the meeting, the minister stated that the “high level of control” on the borders has spared Iraq from the challenges of terrorist groups. In a separate event, the same page (Post Impact: 2%) announced that the minister also led a conference in Kadhimiya to finalize the security and service plan for the upcoming pilgrimage commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad.
9. Parliament Prepares for Vote on New Al-Zaydi Government
Political attention is turning to the Iraqi Parliament, which is preparing for a crucial session to vote on the new government cabinet. According to the official page of the Iraqi Parliament (Post Impact: 1%), Speaker Hibt al-Halbousi was seen overseeing preparations for the session dedicated to voting on the ministerial program of Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh Al-Zaydi. The news page Breaking News (Post Impact: 1%) also covered the preparations, asking its followers to speculate on how many ministries will be approved in the upcoming vote.
10. Concerns Rise as Diyala River Water Levels Drop Sharply
Environmental concerns are being raised about the state of the Diyala River, with reports of a significant drop in water levels. The pages East of Iraq (Post Impact: 2%) and Diyala TV (Post Impact: 1%) shared videos and posts showing a “rapid decline” in the river’s flow, leading to desertification in the area. The cause of the drop is attributed to a reduction in the water releases from upstream sources, renewing fears of drought and its impact on the region’s agriculture and environment.



