Babil Province, Iraq – An explosion rocked a military base in Babil province, south of Baghdad, early on Saturday, resulting in a significant fire engulfing the area. The incident, which occurred at Kalsu base, was reported by the Popular Mobilisation Forces department in the region. Social media images displayed a large blaze at the site, although initial reports did not mention any casualties.
According to the PMF, the strike on Kalsu base was attributed to the United States. However, the United States Central Command (Centcom) refrained from immediate comment on the accusation. The U.S. recently carried out a series of strikes in Iraq and Syria in response to attacks on American troops in the area.
Despite the relative calm and absence of attacks on U.S. troops since early February, a sudden strike by the U.S. appeared to be an unexpected escalation. Sabereen, an Iraqi pro-militia outlet, pointed out that the base housed a variety of forces, including the PMU, Iraqi army, and federal police forces.
The alleged air strike at Kalsu base coincides with the conclusion of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani’s visit to Washington. During his visit, discussions regarding the withdrawal of U.S. and allied troops from Iraq took place, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
As tensions continue to simmer in the region, the aftermath of the Kalsu base explosion raises concerns about potential further escalations and the impact on international relations. The incident underscores the delicate balance of power in the region and the challenges faced by Iraq in navigating its relationships with foreign forces. Additional information regarding the extent of the damage and any developments in the investigation is awaited as the situation unfolds.