No Drones or Planes Detected During Explosion at Iraqi Military Base, Confirms Iraq

In a recent incident that has sparked widespread attention, a significant explosion occurred at the Kalsu military base in Babylon, Iraq, which is utilized by Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The blast resulted in one fatality and eight injuries. In the aftermath, Iraqi security services have clarified that there were no drones or warplanes present in the area’s airspace at the time of the explosion, raising questions about the cause of the incident.

Key Details from the Incident:

1. Location and Casualties: The explosion took place at the Kalsu facility, located approximately 30 miles south of Baghdad. This military base is known for being used by the PMF, a state-recognized coalition of various militia groups.
2. Airspace Report: According to a statement from the air defense command of the military, there were no drones or combat aircraft detected in the airspace over Babylon province before or during the time of the explosion. This information rules out an aerial attack as the cause of the explosion.
3. US and Israel Deny Involvement: Both the United States and Israel have officially denied any involvement in the incident. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) explicitly stated that no airstrikes were conducted by the United States in Iraq on the day of the explosion.
4. Ongoing Investigation: The cause of the blast remains unclear. The PMF has announced that an investigation team was promptly dispatched to the site, and details will be released following the preliminary investigation. This explosion also resulted in material losses at the base.
5. Background of the PMF: The PMF, recognized by the Iraqi parliament in 2016 as part of the national military, includes numerous armed groups and has been actively involved in various military operations within Iraq. The base affected by the explosion is notably the office location of the PMF’s chief of staff and was previously utilized by US forces.
6. Contextual Tensions: The incident occurs amid ongoing regional tensions, notably the conflict between Israel and Hamas, during which factions within the PMF have engaged in hostilities against US forces in Iraq.

The explosion at the Kalsu military base is a serious incident that underscores the volatile security situation in Iraq. With no immediate evidence of external aggression via air, the focus shifts to internal factors and other potential causes of the blast, pending the outcomes of the ongoing investigation. The international community and regional stakeholders will be closely monitoring the situation for further developments.