The Kalsu Base in the Babylon Governorate of Eastern Iraq, operated by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iranian proxy, was the site of intense Israeli airstrikes last night. These airstrikes, as reported by senior Iraqi officials and corroborated by local security authorities, marks a two-day continuation of Israeli strikes against Iranian assets in some form.
The PMF, often seen as aligned with Iranian interests, was targeted around the headquarters at the Kalsu Base. According to the Head of the Security Council in Babylon Governorate, the base suffered approximately five drone strikes. These strikes caused the initial explosions heard around the base, leading to significant infrastructural damage and sparking fires that were visible in footage circulating on social media.
Dramatic footage from the Israeli airstrikes against an Iranian proxy group in Iraq tonight
The Islamic regime in Tehran is taking loss after loss pic.twitter.com/NgMkGsxR0H
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 20, 2024
Footage from the major Israeli airstrike against an Iranian (Islamic regime) proxy group in Eastern Iraq tonight
Via @sentdefender pic.twitter.com/JJGuGi9oGd
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 20, 2024
Casualties and Immediate Impact
Preliminary reports indicate multiple casualties among the Iraqi security personnel and PMF members. The exact number of injuries remains undisclosed, but emergency services were quick to respond, and medical teams were dispatched to treat the wounded and contain the situation. The PMF has acknowledged “material losses and casualties” and has launched an investigation to assess the full extent of the damage.
Footage claimed to be from within the Kalsu Base of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the Babylon Governorate following tonight’s Airstrikes. pic.twitter.com/5PFrwhoi6t
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 19, 2024
Official Responses and Statements
- Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF): Shortly after the incident, the PMF issued a statement confirming that an explosion occurred at their command center. An investigation team arrived quickly at the scene, promising to provide updates once the initial findings are available.
- Iraqi Government: The Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, is in Washington, D.C. The Prime Minister, who technically commands the PMF, has been engaged in talks with U.S. officials for nearly a week. His absence and the nature of these meetings might influence Iraq’s diplomatic response to the airstrikes.
- CENTCOM: U.S. Central Command has categorically denied any involvement in the night’s events, stating that no U.S. airstrikes were conducted in Iraq.
Casualties among Iraqi Security Forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have begun to be reported as a result of Airstrikes and Explosions tonight at the Kalsu Base to the South of Baghdad in the Babylon Governorate.
