One person has been killed and eight others injured in a blast at a military base in Iraq that is used by the Iran-aligned Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), according to the army. The PMF stated that the attack occurred late on Friday at the Kalsu military base, located about 50km south of Baghdad in the Babil province.
Videos and images from the scene showed a massive explosion that ignited nearby trees, causing a fire to spread. Footage from inside the base the following morning showed significant damage to infrastructure and vehicles, including a large crater. The PMF claimed that the Kalso military base was bombed by American aggression, but the Iraqi military reported no drones or fighter jets in the area during the blast.
The United States military denied any involvement in airstrikes in Iraq, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of Saturday afternoon. The Iraqi government is investigating the incident, while Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is currently in the US.
The base also houses Iraqi federal police and military forces. Al Jazeera’s Mahmoud Abdelwahed, reporting from Baghdad, described the attack as indiscriminate, affecting PMF members, Iraqi Ministry of Defence soldiers, and civilians in the vicinity. Camp Kalsu was under US control during the invasion of Iraq but was handed over to the Defence Ministry in 2011.
Abu Fadak al-Muhammadawi, the PMF’s chief of staff, inspected the base on Saturday. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an anti-US and anti-Israeli armed forces group, claimed to have launched a retaliatory strike with a drone aimed at a vital target in the Israeli port city of Eilat. The group had previously halted its attacks but resumed after the conflict in Gaza began.
Hamas condemned the attack on the base, calling it a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty. Analysts believe that the US would be unlikely to carry out such an attack due to efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and Israel. The blast comes after Iran reported shooting down quadcopters over Isfahan, believed to be an Israeli operation. Iran had previously launched drones and missiles at Israel in retaliation for an attack on their consulate in Syria.
Overall, the situation in the region remains tense, with ongoing attacks on Iran-linked groups and escalating tensions between various countries.
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The blast at the military base in Iraq used by the Iran-aligned Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) is a concerning development that could have long-term implications for regional tensions. The attack, which resulted in one death and eight injuries, has raised suspicions of involvement from Israel, although no claim of responsibility has been made.
The PMF has accused the United States of carrying out the attack, but the US military has denied any involvement. The Iraqi government is currently investigating the incident, and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is in the US, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for launching a retaliatory strike against a vital target in the Israeli port city of Eilat. This escalation of attacks between various factions in the region could lead to further violence and instability.
Given the ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel, and other regional powers, it is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid further escalating the situation. Diplomatic efforts should be prioritized to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
In conclusion, the recent blast at the military base in Iraq underscores the volatile nature of the region and the potential for further violence. It is essential for all parties to engage in dialogue and negotiation to prevent further bloodshed and promote stability in the region.