Baghdad, Iraq – The Iran-linked Popular Mobilization Forces reported an explosion at their military command post near Baghdad on Friday night, resulting in three soldiers being wounded. The blast occurred just hours after explosions in Iran, raising concerns about potential escalating tensions in the region.
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) stated that the explosion at the Kalso military base, located south of Baghdad, was significant and caused material damage in addition to injuries. While it was initially unclear who was responsible for the attack, there were accusations pointing towards U.S. forces from militia officials.
Despite these accusations, a U.S. official denied any military activity in Iraq, while an Israeli official also distanced the country from the incident. The PMF reported one fighter killed and six wounded as a result of the explosion, with a team from the organization currently conducting an investigation.
The PMF, a coalition of primarily Shiite, Iran-backed armed groups that played a crucial role in combating ISIS in Iraq, has had a history of attacks on U.S. forces in the region. However, activities had ceased following earlier conflicts with Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza.
The recent events highlight the ongoing tensions between Iran, Israel, and other regional powers. Iran’s Foreign Minister issued a warning of immediate and maximum-level response if Israel were to act against their interests, further escalating the situation.
As the situation continues to unfold, concerns are mounting over the potential for a wider conflict in the region. With various actors involved and heightened military activities, the delicate balance of power is at risk of being disrupted, leading to further instability in the Middle East.