An explosion ripped through a base belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iran-backed paramilitary group, in southern Iraq on Saturday, leaving one dead and eight injured. The cause of the blast at the Kalsu military base, located roughly 50 kilometers south of Baghdad, remains shrouded in mystery.
Iraqi officials vehemently denied any drone or jet activity in the vicinity of the base at the time of the explosion. This denial comes amidst heightened tensions in the region following recent airstrikes attributed to Israel on Iranian targets.
The PMF, a powerful faction within Iraq, has historically been a flashpoint in the simmering conflict between the United States and Iran. Washington has previously accused the PMF of carrying out rocket attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq.
The attack on the Kalsu base comes just days after a series of explosions rocked a military base near Isfahan in central Iran. While Iran initially pointed fingers at Israel, the Israeli government has maintained ambiguity regarding its involvement.
The latest incident in Iraq is likely to further strain relations between Tehran and Washington. Both the U.S. and Israel have denied involvement in the Kalsu base explosion. However, the timing and location of the attack raise questions about potential foreign involvement.
The PMF has vowed to investigate the source of the blast and hold those responsible accountable. The group has a history of retaliatory strikes against perceived aggressors, raising concerns about a potential escalation of violence in the region.
The Iraqi government, already grappling with internal political instability, faces the daunting task of de-escalating tensions and preventing the situation from spiraling out of control. The international community is closely monitoring developments in Iraq, with calls for a thorough investigation into the Kalsu base explosion.
The cause of the blast and the parties involved remain unclear. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this incident will mark a further deterioration in regional security or if cooler heads will prevail.
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This article first appeared on The WIRE and is brought to you by Hyphen Digital Network
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