DW – 04/20/2024 The Iraqi army reported an explosion at a military base

A “bomb blast” hit a military base in the center Iraq It hosts the army and pro-Iranian group troops Hasht al-ShaabiTwo security sources indicated this Friday (04/19/2024) that the former paramilitaries are now integrated with regular forces.

Interviewed by the agency AFPA military official and another from the interior ministry could not identify those responsible for the attack on the Kalsu base in Babylon province.

“One person died and eight others were injured” in the blast, a ministerial official said. Armored vehicles were bombed, he said Hasht al-Shaabi. “The explosion affected materials, weapons, vehicles,” he said.

For his part, the military official said at least three Iraqi army troops were wounded. “Due to the blast, there were explosions in the warehouses where the equipment was kept,” explained the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. “A fire is still affecting some sectors and the search for the injured continues,” he added. AFP.

The unclaimed operation takes place in an explosive environment arising from the war in the region. Gaza Strip.

group Hasht al-Shaabi It is part of Iraq's official security apparatus, but it unites several pro-Iranian armed groups that have carried out attacks in Iraq and Syria against US soldiers stationed within the framework of the international counter-jihadist coalition.

ama (afp, reuters, efe)