The Al-Bayan daily, published in the United Arab Emirates, wrote on September 19: Iraqi Army officials announced that they had arrested 35 militias who had escaped to Iran and were on their way back to Iraq, crossing Arvand River. The 35, who were pursued by the Iraqi Army, were arrested in the regions of Um al-Rassas and Raas al-Bisha.

Al-Bayan added: The Iraqi systems believe a great number of members of illegal armed militia groups and individuals wanted by Iraq took shelter in Iran after security operation started in Basra province this March.