In a major development, a powerful blast shook a military base used by Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to the south of Baghdad on Friday, sparking allegations of involvement by Israel and the United States. The attack, allegedly carried out by a number of drones, targeted a headquarters of the PMF at the Kalso military base near the town of Iskandariya, causing significant material damage.

According to sources, the attack consisted of two separate waves of strikes, but two PMF sources stated that there were no casualties reported. Iraqi media reported that the strikes were also aimed at an arsenal of weapons belonging to Iranian-backed militias in southern Baghdad.

While an American official claimed that the attack took place outside Iran's territory, CNN reported that no significant damage was recorded at the site. However, Iraqi sources claimed that dozens of American and Israeli aircraft were seen flying near Iraq during the time of the attack.

The incident comes amidst escalating tensions in the region. In January 2024, a US airstrike thwarted an attack on Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq, which hosts US and other international forces. The US military sources revealed that a rocket launcher was discovered fixed to a small truck, ready to be fired.

The PMF, an Iranian-backed militia which now serves as an official government-paid force, has more than 100,000 fighters. They have been accused of stockpiling missiles and drones, as well as operating more freely in Syria, posing a threat to US and Israeli forces. The US currently has 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq, with their mission being to assist local forces in preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State.

This latest incident further exacerbates the ongoing tensions between Iran, the US, and their respective regional allies. In 2020, the US conducted a targeted strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, who was on a trip to Baghdad. The Iranian Guards Intelligence Department suspected that an informant from the PMF provided details about Soleimani's trip, leading to a decision by his successor, Ismail Ghani, to establish a fiercely loyal force.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides on high alert and closely monitoring the developments in the region. As tensions continue to mount, the international community will be closely watching for any further escalation and its potential implications for regional security.