A military base housing a pro-Iranian militia in Iraq was hit by an explosion, leading to one fatality and eight injuries, as confirmed by security officials on-site.
Iraq’s military asserted that no drones or fighter jets were present in the vicinity before or during the explosion.
However, the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), the militia group stationed at the base, attributed the incident to an attack, amidst heightened tensions between Israel and Iran.
The PMF, an umbrella organization for several pro-Iranian militias, has engaged in past attacks targeting US personnel in Iraq, in efforts to compel the withdrawal of remaining US troops. The Pentagon swiftly disavowed any involvement in this particular incident.
The escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran has recently taken a more direct turn, with both nations reportedly launching attacks on each other’s territory. This shift follows a series of retaliatory actions, including presumed Israeli strikes near Isfahan in response to Iranian drone and missile barrages on Israel. Amidst this volatile backdrop, the explosion at the Kalso military base, located south of Baghdad, underscores the precarious situation in the region.
As investigations into the explosion continue, both the PMF and Iraqi military are probing its cause. While the conflict remains somewhat contained, Iranian officials have warned of a robust response if Israel escalates its attacks. The incident highlights the fragility of the situation and the potential for further escalation in the ongoing tensions between regional powers.
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