Tensions continue in the Middle East, pro-Iran forces bombed in Iraq: 10 points

A military base in central Iraq, which houses troops and pro-Iranian paramilitary forces, was reportedly “bombed” overnight as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate. The U.S. military denied involvement in the attack.

Here are ten takeaways from this big story:

  1. An explosion occurred at the Kalso base, killing one person and injuring eight others. Agence France-Presse cited interior ministry sources and military officials as saying former pro-Iran paramilitary group Hashed al-Shaabi was stationed at the base.

  2. Hashed al-Shaabi said in a statement that the nighttime attack caused “material damage” and casualties. Hashed al-Shaabi is an umbrella group of mainly Shia militant groups fighting the Islamic State. It is now part of the Iraqi security forces.

  3. Agence France-Presse reported, citing a defense ministry source, that the explosion hit equipment, weapons and vehicles. An unnamed military official agreed, saying the explosion occurred “in a warehouse where equipment is stored.” There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack.

  4. The U.S. military said on social media that its troops were not involved in the attack. “We have noticed reports that the United States conducted air strikes in Iraq today. These reports are untrue. The United States did not conduct air strikes in Iraq today,” the statement said.

  5. The latest attacks come as tensions rise between Iran and Israel, the Middle East foes on the brink of war over the conflict in Gaza.

  6. Earlier this month, Israel attacked the Iranian embassy in Syria, killing at least 11 people, including a senior Revolutionary Guards commander. In response, Iran launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel earlier this week.

  7. Israel launched drone strikes on Iranian territory on Friday, according to U.S. officials, as the tit-for-tat exchange continues. According to reports, explosions occurred near Isfahan, Iran’s third largest city, prompting Iran to activate the air defense systems of multiple cities.

  8. Despite reports of missile launches, Iran said it had shot down several drones and “there are currently no missile attacks.”

  9. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian downplayed Friday’s drone attack in an interview with NBC News and said no connection to Israel has been confirmed so far. He also called drones “a toy for our children to play with.”

  10. He also warned that if Israel takes actions that harm Iran’s interests, it will immediately respond with “maximum” force. “If Israel wants to engage in adventurism again and take actions that harm Iran’s interests, our next response will be an immediate and maximum response,” he said.

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