ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - At 1 a.m. on Saturday, a loud explosion rocked Babil province in Iraq. Initial speculation from media outlets suggested it might have been an airstrike targeting the Kalsu base, which houses a facility of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Early footage circulated on social media depicted the moment of the explosion, showing flames and smoke billowing from the targeted base. Security sources indicated one fatality and eight injuries.

#BREAKING: Footage circulated on social media shows the initial moments after the airstrike on #Kalsu Base in #Babil province#TheNewRegion pic.twitter.com/fPrMenApAh

— The New Region (@thenewregion) April 19, 2024

The site of the explosion was the Kalsu base, a former U.S. military facility located approximately 32 kilometers south of Baghdad, now utilized by the PMF.

According to a source within the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, the bombing resulted in one fatality and eight injuries at a military base in central Iraq. The explosion specifically targeted the Kalsu base, where the PMF, now part of the regular army, is stationed.

Contrary to initial speculation, CENTCOM issued an official statement refuting claims of U.S. airstrikes in Iraq on that day: "We are aware of reports claiming that the U.S. conducted airstrikes in Iraq today. Those reports are not true. The United States has not conducted airstrikes in Iraq today."

We are aware of reports claiming that the United States conducted airstrikes in Iraq today. Those reports are not true. The United States has not conducted air strikes in Iraq today.

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 20, 2024

In response to the attack on PMF bases, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced via a statement that it targeted a vital facility in Eilat, Israel, with drones, accusing Israel of the initial attack.

The Islamic Resistance in #Iraq has announced in a statement, targeting a vital facility in #Eilat with drones in response to the attack on #PMF bases on Friday#TheNewRegion pic.twitter.com/iLQW4bOa48

— The New Region (@thenewregion) April 20, 2024

Iraq's Security Media Cell released an official statement asserting, "No drones or fighter aircrafts had been detected in the skies over Babil before and during the explosion."

Secretary General of Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Abu Ala al-Walai, affirmed on Saturday, "We will respond against the perpetrators of the attack on a PMF site, regardless of who they are. If the enemy assumes that the PMF is restrained by official orders and expects no retaliation, the resistance isn't."

We will respond against the perpetrators of the attack on a #PMF site, regardless of who they are, and if the enemy assumes that the PMF is restrained by official orders and expects no retaliation from it, the resistance isn't, the Secretary General of Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada… pic.twitter.com/CZDYOTgPoi

— The New Region (@thenewregion) April 20, 2024

This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, coinciding with the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani to the U.S.

The incident could potentially lead to escalation, with possibilities including attacks on Global Coalition bases in Iraq and Syria by Iran-backed groups or direct strikes against Israel.