Middle East Continues to Experience Tensions as Pro-Iran Forces are Attacked in Iraq: 10 Key Points

The military base in central Iraq, which housed army troops and pro-Iranian paramilitaries, was reportedly bombed overnight during escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The US military has denied any involvement in the attack, while former pro-Iranian paramilitary group Hashed al-Shaabi, stationed at the base, reported “material losses” and casualties. Hashed al-Shaabi, an umbrella organization of mostly Shiite armed groups formed to fight ISIS, is now part of Iraq’s security forces. The attack inflicted damage to equipment, weapons, and vehicles, according to ministry sources and a military official.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The US military has stated on social media that it was not involved in the strike. This latest attack occurs amid increased tensions between Iran and Israel, following the Gaza conflict. Earlier this month, Israel’s attack on Iran’s embassy in Syria led to Iran launching a drone and missile attack on Israel.

Israel responded with a drone attack on Iranian soil, and explosions were reported near Isfahan, prompting Iran to activate its air defense system. Iran’s remarks indicated that they had shot down several drones and warned of an immediate and “maximum level” response to any further actions by Israel against its interests.