Iraqi Factions Accuse Israel of Striking Military Base, Claim Drone Attack on Eilat in Response

Iraqi factions, including the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), have accused Israel of conducting an airstrike on a military base housing pro-Iranian armed groups in Babil province, south of Baghdad. The attack, which occurred overnight on Friday at the Kalsu base, caused material damage and injuries, according to PMF sources.

While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, Reuters reported that one PMF fighter was killed and six others were wounded in the strike. The U.S. military has denied conducting any airstrikes in Iraq on that day, leading to suspicions that Israel may be responsible for the attack, although Israel has not confirmed or denied involvement.

In response to the alleged Israeli strike, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a network of Iraqi militia groups affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claimed responsibility for targeting Israel's southern city of Eilat with drones. The group stated that the drone attack was a direct response to the "Zionist enemy's violation of Iraqi sovereignty and its targeting of the PMF headquarters."

Why this matters: The incident highlights the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed forces in the region, particularly in Iraq. It also underscores the complex dynamics at play as Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani concludes his visit to Washington, where discussions have focused on plans for the withdrawal of U.S. and allied troops from the country.

The PMF, formed in 2014 to combat ISIS, has been officially integrated into the Iraqi security apparatus. However, some militias within its ranks operate outside of Baghdad's control and receive support from Iran. Tensions have risen between the U.S. and these Iran-backed forces, with the U.S. targeting PMF facilities in the past, resulting in casualties among PMF members, including prominent leaders.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian warned that Iran will respond at an "immediate and maximum level" if Israel acts against its interests. The secretary general of the Iranian-backed Sayyid al Shuhada Brigades, a faction within the PMF, vowed to retaliate against those responsible for the attack on the Kalsu base. "The explosion caused material losses and left several people injured," a PMF source stated, as an investigation team was dispatched to the scene to examine the cause of the blast.

Key Takeaways

• Iraqi factions, including PMF, accuse Israel of airstrike on military base.
• U.S. denies involvement, leading to suspicions of Israeli responsibility.
• Iran-backed Iraqi militia claims drone attack on Israel's Eilat as retaliation.
• Incident highlights escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed forces in Iraq.
• Iran warns it will respond "immediately and at maximum level" if Israel acts against its interests.