A military installation situated in central Iraq, housing army troops and pro-Iranian paramilitaries, was targeted by a bombing overnight amidst heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, according to reports. The US military has officially denied any participation in the attack.
Here are ten points you need to know:
1. The explosion at the Calso base resulted in one fatality and eight injuries, as reported by AFP. This military facility is known to house the former pro-Iranian paramilitary group Hashed al-Shaabi, according to sources from the interior ministry and military officials.
2. Hashed al-Shaabi, a coalition of predominantly Shiite armed groups initially formed to combat ISIS, confirmed the occurrence of “material losses” and casualties in the overnight attack. This coalition now operates as part of Iraq’s security forces.
3. The blast primarily targeted equipment, weapons, and vehicles, according to sources cited by AFP. Ministry officials revealed that the explosions specifically occurred in warehouses storing military equipment. However, no entity has claimed responsibility for the attack thus far.
4. Contrary to speculations, the US military explicitly denied involvement in the strike through a statement on social media. They clarified that reports alleging US airstrikes in Iraq are false, asserting that no such airstrikes occurred on the reported date.
5. This recent attack unfolds amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, longstanding adversaries in the Middle East. The situation remains precarious, with the Gaza conflict exacerbating hostilities between the two nations.
6. Earlier this month, Israel carried out an airstrike on Iran’s embassy in Syria, resulting in casualties including a prominent Revolutionary Guard commander. In retaliation, Iran launched a significant drone and missile strike on Israeli territory.
7. The retaliatory cycle persisted, with Israel reportedly conducting a drone strike on Iranian soil near Isfahan, one of Iran’s major cities. This action prompted Iran to activate its air defense systems across multiple cities.
8. Although reports suggested missile activity, Iranian officials clarified that they had intercepted several drones and denied any missile attacks at that time. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian addressed the incident, downplaying it as an Israeli provocation.
9. Amirabdollahian cautioned Israel against further provocations, warning of immediate and severe retaliation should Iran’s interests be threatened. He emphasized Iran’s readiness to respond decisively to any aggressive actions from Israel.
10. In an interview with NBC News, Amirabdollahian stressed the seriousness of the situation and reiterated Iran’s commitment to defending its interests. He underscored the potential consequences of any future Israeli aggression, signaling Iran’s resolve to respond robustly.