Iraq army reports explosion at military base – DW – 04/20/2024

A “bombing” took place at a military base in central Iraq, which houses troops from the army and pro-Iranian groups. Hashd Al ShaabiFormer paramilitary forces have now been integrated into the regular forces, two security sources indicated this Friday (04/19/2024).

Interviewed by agency AFPA military officer and another Interior Ministry official were unable to pinpoint those responsible for the attack on the Kalsu base in Babylon province.

The ministerial official said the blast “killed one and injured eight.” He said the bombing was intended to target armored vehicles Hashd Al Shaabi, “Materials, weapons, vehicles were affected by the explosion,” he said.

For its part, the military official reported at least three injuries among Iraqi army personnel. “Due to the bombing, there were explosions in the warehouses where the equipment was stored,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. “The fire is still affecting some sectors and the search for injured people is underway,” he said. AFP

The action, which is not claimed, takes place in an explosive context in the region resulting from the war in the Gaza Strip.

Group Hashd Al Shaabi It is part of Iraq’s official security apparatus, but it brings together several pro-Iranian armed groups that have carried out attacks in Iraq and Syria against US troops deployed within the framework of the international anti-jihadist coalition.

AMA (AFP, Reuters, EFE)