In the midst of Israel-Iran tensions, 'bombing' strikes Iraqi military base housing pro-Iranian paramilitaries
- In Reports
- 11:02 AM, Apr 20, 2024
- Myind Staff
Two security sources have reported that a "bombing" occurred overnight at an Iraqi military base that accommodates pro-Iranian paramilitaries, resulting in several people sustaining injuries.
According to an interior ministry source and a military official, the explosion struck the Calso base, where the former pro-Iranian paramilitary group Hashed al-Shaabi, now integrated into the regular army, is stationed.
As per the official from the Ministry of Interior, the attack resulted in the death of one person and injuries to eight others. Additionally, the military source stated that three Iraqi military personnel sustained injuries.
In a statement, Hashed al-Shaabi acknowledged the attack, stating that it caused "material losses" and casualties, although the exact number of wounded individuals was not specified.
The organisation further stated that its premises on the base were struck by an explosion and that investigators had been dispatched to the site.
When questioned by AFP, security sources declined to disclose the party responsible for the attack or confirm whether it was carried out by a drone.
"The explosion damaged equipment, weapons, and vehicles," stated the ministry source.
No party has promptly claimed responsibility for the attack. The military official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, revealed that the explosions took place in warehouses housing equipment.
"The search for the injured is ongoing as a fire continues to rage," stated the source.
The US military has denied involvement in the reported strike via social media. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on X that American forces did not conduct airstrikes in Iraq on the specified day, refuting reports suggesting otherwise.
Hashed al-Shaabi, an alliance primarily comprising Shiite armed groups established to combat the Islamic State group, has now become integrated into Iraq's security forces.
The attack on the pro-Iranian paramilitaries coincides with escalating regional tensions stemming from the conflict between Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian militant group backed by Tehran. Recent strikes, attributed to Israel, targeted a military base near Isfahan in Iran.
Image source: Times of India
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