Explosion at Kalsu Military Base in Iraq
Command Post Bombed Overnight
The Iraqi army reported a tragic incident at Kalsu military base, located south of the capital Baghdad, where a command post was hit by an explosion during the night. The blast resulted in the death of one member of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) and left eight individuals injured.
PMU, an Iranian-Backed Paramilitary Force
The Popular Mobilizations Units (PMU) is an Iraqi-based predominantly Shiite paramilitary force. The PMU, responsible for the site targeted in the explosion, maintains close ties with Iran-aligned Shiite factions that have remained prominent in Iraqi politics for several years.
Uncertain Cause and Denial of Involvement
The explosion at Kalsu base, which functions as the headquarters for the Iraqi army and police, occurred at 1 a.m. local time. The cause remains unknown, and both Israeli and US officials, particularly, deny any involvement with the incident. It is worth noting that this explosion follows a recent military strike on Iran, attributed to Israel.
Explosion Investigation
Iraqi army authorities have emphasized that no drones or planes were present in the airspace of Babylon Governorate before, during, or after the explosion. The military plans to establish a committee specifically to investigate the Kalsu base incident.
PMU Provides Initial Details
According to the PMU, the explosion took place at the Kalsu military base in the Al-Mashrou district, located on the highway north of the Babylon Governorate. Investigators are currently on-site, assessing the aftermath, which has caused substantial material losses.
Region High on Tension
At present, the Middle East remains in a state of heightened tension. Israel is actively engaged in a conflict against Hamas in Gaza, stemming from a deadly incursion by the Iran-backed Palestinian militant group into southern Israel in October. Recent events indicate an escalation in the ongoing shadow war between Israel and Iran, with both powers engaging in retaliatory strikes.
Israeli and US Deny Involvement in Iraqi Blast
Following the explosion in Iraq, an Israeli official has unequivocally stated that Israel was not involved. Similarly, the United States Central Command has categorically denied conducting any airstrikes in Iraq on the day of the incident.
PMU, a Recognized Government Entity
In 2016, the Iraqi parliament passed a bill granting official recognition to the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) as a government entity, operating as a crucial component alongside the Iraqi military. The PMU serves as an umbrella organization, encompassing various forces, including the influential Kataib Hezbollah.
