ARLINGTON, Va. — There is no ban on U.S. troops riding in MRAP vehicles in Iraqi cities, according to U.S. Central Command.

The Washington Post reported on Friday that new, restrictive guidelines had prohibited U.S. troops from using MRAPs in Iraqi cities during daylight hours as of July 1. Stars and Stripes printed the Post story in its Saturday Mideast and Europe editions.

A CENTCOM spokesman said the story is wrong.

“Servicemembers remaining in Iraq WILL be able to use MRAPs, without restriction,” said Navy Capt. Jack Hanzlik in an e-mail. “GEN. [Ray] Odierno has been very clear, ‘Security of our forces is paramount.’ His staff has pushed an aggressive internal communication effort so every troop understands they are authorized to use MRAPs.”

In a follow-up story Saturday, the Post reported that the military said there was no ban on using MRAPs, but it also said that four Army officers had received written guidance about such a ban.

Two of those officers said they had received no guidance to the contrary as of Saturday morning, according to the newspaper.

But Hanzlik said neither Odierno nor any subordinate command issued any guidance that restricted U.S. troops’ use of MRAPs.