Image Credits - Iraqi News
A series of explosions collapsed a former paramilitary base in Babylon province early this morning. The attacks, which occurred in the vicinity of the town of Hillah, targeted a facility previously associated with Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an umbrella organization of militias.
The explosions began shortly after dawn and are reported to have caused significant damage to the base. Eyewitnesses described a series of large blasts, followed by a thick plume of smoke that could be seen rising from the area. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but initial reports suggest that there were multiple casualties, including both security personnel and civilians. The exact number of injuries and fatalities remains unclear as authorities continue their response efforts.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks as of yet, but the timing and nature of the explosions suggest they may be linked to ongoing sectarian tensions and the broader conflict involving various armed factions in Iraq. The base, while no longer active in its previous capacity, had been a point of contention and a symbol of the complex and often volatile political landscape in the region.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has condemned the attacks and called for a swift investigation to bring those responsible to justice. The Prime Minister’s office emphasized the need for increased security measures to prevent further violence and protect civilians in the region.
The explosions come amid a backdrop of renewed instability in Iraq, as the country grapples with economic challenges, political strife, and the resurgence of militant groups. The situation remains fluid, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.