Huge blast at military base used by Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces, sources say

Factions within the PMF took part in months of rocket and drone attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq amid Israel’s Gaza campaign but ceased to do so in February.

A huge blast rocked a military base used by Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to the south of Baghdad late on Friday, two PMF and two security sources told Reuters.

The two security sources said the blast was a result of an unknown airstrike, which happened around midnight Friday. The two PMF sources pointed out the strikes did not lead to casualties but caused material damage.

PMF sources said the strikes targeted a headquarters of the PMF at the Kalso military base near the town of Iskandariya around 50 km south of Baghdad. Government officials did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The PMF started out as a grouping of armed factions, many close to Iran, that was later recognized as a formal security force by Iraqi authorities. Factions within the PMF took part in months of rocket and drone attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq amid Israel's Gaza campaign but ceased to do so in February.

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