Blast at Pro-Iranian Militia Base in Iraq Kills One, Wounds Eight
BAGHDAD — A military base in Iraq housing a pro-Iranian militia has been rocked by an explosion, resulting in the death of one individual and leaving eight others injured, as confirmed by security officials on the ground.
The Iraqi military has stated that there were no drones or fighter jets present in the vicinity before or during the incident.
Despite this, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an organization linked to Iran, has pointed towards a deliberate attack as the cause of the explosion.
This development occurs amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
The PMF serves as an umbrella organization for various pro-Iranian militias, forming part of Tehran’s extensive network of proxies utilized to further its interests in the region over the years.
These militias have previously targeted US personnel and assets in Iraq with the objective of pressuring the remaining American troops to exit the country, prompting retaliatory strikes from the US.
While the Pentagon has swiftly refuted any involvement in this incident, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified, transitioning into a more precarious phase exacerbated by the conflict in Gaza.
Both nations have seemingly engaged in direct attacks on each other’s territory, with a suspected Israeli strike near Isfahan following a significant drone and missile assault launched by Iran against Israel.
The Iranian actions were in response to an earlier attack on senior Iranian military figures in Damascus, believed to be orchestrated by Israel.
Although the situation remains relatively contained at present, the Iranian foreign minister has issued a warning of an immediate and forceful response should Israel escalate its attacks on Iranian interests.
The explosion at Kalso military base, situated approximately 50km (30 miles) south of Baghdad, occurred early on Saturday morning, resulting in the fatality of a PMF member and injuries to eight others.
The PMF’s chief of staff, Abdul Aziz Al-Mohammedawi, visited the base to assess the ongoing investigation into the incident.
The Iraqi military has initiated an inquiry into the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire at the base.
According to a statement released by the PMF, the air defense command confirmed the absence of drones or fighter jets in the airspace of Babil before and during the blast.
The US military’s Central Command has categorically denied reports linking the US to any airstrikes in Iraq, addressing the speculation on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. — BBC
