ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – An explosion struck a Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) ammunition depot in eastern Diyala province on Thursday, causing a fire but no casualties, Iraq's defense ministry said.

“The Ministry of Defense wishes to clarify that an explosion occurred in one of the [PMF’s] ammunition depots,” located in Diyala province’s Mansouriya district, the ministry said in a statement.

According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties as a result of the explosion or the ensuing fire, the ministry added.

Security and military units were deployed to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas.

Security forces have also launched an investigation to “determine the circumstances of the incident and the cause of the explosion.” The ministry said the results will be announced once the investigation is completed.

The PMF is an Iraqi state-integrated network of predominantly Shiite armed groups established in 2014 to fight the Islamic State. While formally part of Iraq's security apparatus, several factions maintain close ties to Iran.

The Iraqi government has renewed efforts to restructure the PMF, consolidate weapons under state control, and reduce the influence of Iran-backed factions within the security framework.