Baghdad, Iraq – Late Tuesday night, an explosion resounded through the Baghdad International Airport where a U.S.-led coalition military base is located, just hours before the expected arrival of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. This marked his first international visit since he assumed office in July.
Major General Tahseen Al Khafaji of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command reported on the social media platform X that the blast occurred at 2300 hours local time (8 p.m. GMT) within a section of the airport used by coalition advisors. Despite immediate investigations, the nature and origin of the explosion remain unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility so far.
Subsequently, it was disclosed by a senior military official, who preferred to stay anonymous, that the explosion was triggered by two Katyusha-type rockets. According to this source, one rocket impacted near the Iraqi anti-terrorist forces’ compound, and the other within the perimeter of the U.S.-led coalition base. Fortunately, airport operations were not disturbed, and no flights were delayed.
The timing of the explosion coincides with an important diplomatic visit, as Iranian President Pezeshkian was scheduled to arrive the following day. Iran and Iraq, both with Shiite-majority populations, have seen tightened bonds over the last two decades, marked by strong political collaborations and economic ties. Tehran, as one of Baghdad’s key trading partners, holds significant sway in its political landscape, influencing both the parliament and the current government.
A spokesperson for the Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq, Jaafar al-Husseini, condemned the incident on X, labeling it as an attempt to destabilize the Iranian president’s visit. Al-Husseini called upon Iraqi security services to swiftly find and apprehend those responsible.
The incident at Baghdad International Airport adds to a series of attacks targeting U.S.-led coalition forces, which have included drone strikes and rocket attacks both within Iraq and neighboring Syria. This upsurge in hostilities has been part of broader regional tensions, magnified by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, including Israel’s war in Gaza.
In response to the rising violence, and in efforts to mitigate Iraq’s involvement, the United States and Iraqi governments have been in discussions regarding a gradual withdrawal of the coalition forces. Currently, about 2,500 U.S. troops are stationed in Iraq and an additional 900 in Syria as part of the global campaign against Daesh.
The capability of Iraqi security forces to counter Daesh independently has been a topic of significant discussion. Iraq’s security officials have expressed confidence in handling remnants of Daesh without foreign military support, emphasizing the diminished threat posed by the group.
As tensions continue to simmer, the incident underscores the fragile balance of power in a region rife with conflict and the intricate diplomatic efforts involved in maintaining stability and security.