Iraqi PMF force reports base attack, army launches investigation | Global News

A massive explosion rocked a military base in Iraq early on Saturday, resulting in the tragic death of a member of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and injuring eight others. The incident took place at the Kalso military base, located approximately 50 km south of Baghdad.

Initial reports suggested that an airstrike was responsible for the blast, causing widespread speculation and concern. However, the Iraqi military stated that they were conducting an investigation into the cause of the explosion and emphasized that there were no warplanes in the sky at the time of the incident.

The PMF’s chief of staff, Abdul Aziz al-Mohammedawi, visited the site to oversee the investigative efforts and gather more information about the attack. Meanwhile, tensions in the region were already high following an alleged Israeli attack in the Iranian city of Isfahan the day before.

The PMF, which includes Iran-backed groups, has a history of targeting US troops and Israel in the region. While their attacks on US forces had ceased in early February, they claimed responsibility for an attack on the Israeli city of Eilat on April 1.

The US military’s Central Command denied any involvement in the airstrikes in Iraq, further adding to the confusion surrounding the incident. The PMF, originally a collection of armed factions with ties to Iran, has since been recognized as a formal security force by Iraqi authorities. The situation remains tense as authorities work to determine the cause of the explosion and prevent further escalations in the region.