A massive explosion was reported Friday night at a military base of an Iranian-backed group inside Iraq that might be the result of an Israeli airstrike.
The strike targeted the Popular Mobilization Force’s (PMF) Kalsu Base in the Babylon Governorate of Eastern Iraq. The PMF is a large Iraqi-state sponsored organization that is comprised of dozens of smaller militia and terrorist groups, many of which are backed by Iran.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and international coalition forces both issued statements indicating that they were not involved in the airstrikes.
An Iraqi official told PBS News that they believe the explosion was caused by an Israeli airstrike. Israel later denied any involvement.
“An Explosion occurred at the Headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) at the Kalsu Military Base in the Al-Mashrou District on the Highway in the Northern of Babylon Governorate,” the PMF said in a statement. “An Investigation Team immediately arrived at the Scene, and the Explosion caused Material Losses and Casualties. We will provide you with the Details once the Preliminary Investigation is Completed.”
Videos posted online of the incident showed flames coming from the base when a powerful explosion rocked the compound. It was unclear if the explosion was the direct result of military ordnance hitting the compound or if the explosion was caused by munitions inside the compound that exploded from the flames that broke out following the alleged initial strike.
The Jerusalem Post reported that there were two separate waves of strikes carried out.
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Fires are continuing to Burn all across the Kalsu Base of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the Babylon Governorate of Eastern Iraq. pic.twitter.com/QJFkGvUBFA
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 19, 2024
Possible armory struck by air in Iraq. pic.twitter.com/VfDdlTZ7uk
— Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) April 19, 2024
Fires are continuing to Burn all across the Kalsu Base of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the Babylon Governorate of Eastern Iraq. pic.twitter.com/QJFkGvUBFA
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 19, 2024
🚨🚨🚨
The moment the "Kalsu" base in Babylon was destroyed after the recent airstrikes, the entire military base with the ground became devastated. pic.twitter.com/VinvfOftde
— Omar Abu Layla (@OALD24) April 19, 2024
The Armored Headquarters and a Major Base of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the Babylon Governorate of Eastern Iraq to the South of Baghdad has reportedly been Targeted by several Unknown Airstrikes causing an Massive Munitions Cook-Off; Damage to Base is claimed to be… pic.twitter.com/9B3Jmn0BZe
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 19, 2024
Footage claimed to be from within the Kalsu Base of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the Babylon Governorate following tonight’s Airstrikes. pic.twitter.com/5PFrwhoi6t
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 19, 2024
Joe Truzman, senior analyst with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD), said that the strikes may have come in retaliation for the numerous attacks that Israel has endured from groups hiding under the PMF’s umbrella.
“Perhaps Israel got fed up with Iraqi militias acting under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” he posted on X. “Attempts to strike Israeli territory with drones have become routine over the last few months. Though, this is only one possibility of many when considering what happened tonight.”