BAGHDAD: One person was killed and eight injured in an overnight blast at an Iraqi military base housing a coalition of armed groups, including members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces, also known as Hashed al-Shaabi, officials said Saturday.
Details surrounding the blast remain unclear, with conflicting reports emerging after the explosion. The Iraqi security forces’ media unit described the incident as “an explosion and a fire,” while the air defense command reported no presence of drones or combat aircraft in the area before or during the explosion.
The United States military has denied any involvement in the reported strike. “The United States has not conducted airstrikes in Iraq today,” stated US Central Command (CENTCOM) on social media.
Hashed al-Shaabi confirmed the attack on its premises at the military base, acknowledging “material losses” and casualties, though specific numbers were not provided. An interior ministry official initially described the incident as an “aerial bombing,” while an anonymous Iraqi military official stated that the explosion occurred in warehouses.
Armed Group Vows Retaliation to Blast on Iraqi Military Base
In response to the attack, Hashed commander Abu Alaa al-Walai vowed retaliation against those responsible, stating on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), “We will retaliate against whoever is behind this aggression. Those involved in this odious crime will pay the price.”
The Hashed al-Shaabi, an integral part of Iraq’s official security apparatus under the authority of the prime minister, has dispatched investigation committees to the site of the attack. The group’s chief of staff is reported to have held meetings to assess the situation and determine further actions.
The incident comes amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, following an unprecedented assault by Iran on Israel, met with a drone strike retaliation from Israel. These tensions, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, have raised concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the region.
