On Saturday, the Iraqi army reported that an explosion occurred overnight at a command post in Kalsu military base, located south of Baghdad. Tragically, one member of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) was killed, and eight others were injured in the incident.
The PMU, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, is a predominantly Shiite paramilitary force in Iraq that receives support from Iran. Muhannad al-Anazi, a member of the Security Committee in Babylon Governorate, confirmed that the PMU was responsible for the area where the explosion took place.
The cause of the blast remains unknown, and both Israeli and US officials have denied any involvement. Interestingly, this incident occurred just a day after an Israeli military strike on Iran, although no direct connection has been established.
According to the military's statement, the explosion and subsequent fire occurred at 1 a.m. local time at Kalsu base, which serves as a headquarters for the Iraqi army and police as well. The statement also mentioned that a member of the army was among the injured.
The Iraqi army clarified that there were no drones or fighter aircraft in the airspace of Babylon Governorate before or during the explosion. To investigate the incident further, a committee will be formed.
The PMU provided additional details, stating that the blast occurred at the Kalsu military base in the Al-Mashrou district on the highway, north of Babylon Governorate. Investigators are currently present at the site, and the explosion has caused material damage as well.
Once the preliminary investigation is completed, the PMU has assured that they will share further details. Unlike other Iran-backed groups in the region, the PMU is closely tied to the local government and has strong connections with Iran-aligned Shiite blocs that have held significant political influence in Iraq for years.
This explosion comes at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East, with Israel engaged in conflict with Hamas in Gaza. In October, the Iran-backed Palestinian militant group launched a deadly incursion into southern Israel, further exacerbating the situation.
The recent exchange of retaliatory attacks this month has also exposed a long-standing conflict between Israel and Iran. A military strike was reportedly carried out by Israel on Iran early Friday, according to a US official speaking to CNN, potentially leading to a dangerous escalation. Israel has refrained from making any comments on the matter, while Iran has not attributed the attack to any specific source, and no significant damage has been reported.
Following the explosion in Iraq, an Israeli official informed CNN that they were not involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, US Central Command took to social media to address rumors of American airstrikes in Iraq, stating that such reports were false. The United States has not conducted any air strikes in Iraq on that day.
In 2016, the Iraqi parliament passed a bill recognizing the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) as an official government entity working in conjunction with the Iraqi military. This organization serves as an umbrella group, overseeing various forces including the influential Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq.
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