On Friday night, an airstrike against a military base 40 kilometers south of Baghdad, operated by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), resulted in the death of at least one person and injuries to 20 others. The PMF, a pro-Iran paramilitary structure recognized as a formal security force by Iraqi authorities, reported that three drones hit the main entrance to the base and one of its offices. Explosions occurred in equipment warehouses, with ongoing fires and search operations for the injured.
The perpetrator of the attack remains unknown, with both Iraqi militia sources and international coalition leaders denying involvement in the incident. While some sources attributed the bombing to the United States, others claimed it was carried out by Iran or its proxies. The Israeli government also denied any involvement in the attack and expressed readiness to respond if necessary.
In recent months, tensions between Iran and its allies have escalated, including Iran’s direct attack on Israeli soil and uncertainty over a potential Israeli ground offensive in Gaza. These events add to the broader context of regional conflicts involving various armed groups and international actors, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the Middle East.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq is part of the Axis of Resistance, a group of Middle Eastern political parties and militias influenced by Iran that have targeted Israel and its ally, the United States, in response to Israeli offensives in Gaza. The US has targeted PMF militia headquarters such as Al Nuba and Kataib Hizbul as part of its efforts against these organizations. These groups have carried out numerous attacks against US troops in Iraq.