TEHRAN (FNA)- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi vowed punitive legal action against television networks that disseminate erroneous and misleading reports in support of the ISIL terror group.

Addressing the nation in a live broadcast, Abadi offered a fierce criticism of satellite television channels promoting ISIL and evoking sympathy for the Takfiri terrorists, presstv reported.

He said Iraq would seek harsh punishment against them at an international court of law.

Abadi said some dormant “propaganda” cells have started propping up ISIL ever since the operation to liberate the Western city of Fallujah got underway on May 23.

These satellite channels, some of them based in Iraq, support ISIL, the premier said, warning that false reporting will cost the loss of civilian lives.

The warning comes amid a government offensive to retake Fallujah in preparation for the recapture of Iraq's second city of Mosul from ISIL.

By Fars News Agency