At least three people were killed and several others injured after a series of explosions rocked a base belonging to the Iran-backed Iraqi paramilitary group Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces – PMF) in Iraq’s capital, Baghdad.
The explosions occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, causing a massive fire to break out at the base located in the al-Dawra district of Baghdad. The cause of the explosions is still unknown, but initial reports suggest that it may have been caused by a drone attack.
The Hashd al-Shaabi group, which is made up of mostly Shia militias, has been a key player in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq. They have been instrumental in pushing back the extremist group and regaining control of large swathes of territory that were previously under their control.
The group has also been a target of attacks by the US and Israel, who view them as a threat to their interests in the region. In recent months, there have been several attacks on Hashd al-Shaabi bases, with many attributing them to the US and Israel.
The latest attack on the al-Dawra base has once again raised tensions in the region and has sparked condemnation from various parties. The Iraqi government has strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “violation of Iraqi sovereignty” and a “dangerous escalation.”
The Prime Minister of Iraq, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and has vowed to bring those responsible to justice. He also stressed the need for all armed groups to abide by the rule of law and not take matters into their own hands.
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has also condemned the attack and called for restraint from all parties. In a statement, the mission urged all sides to “exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could further escalate the situation.”
The attack has also been met with outrage from the international community, with many countries expressing their condolences to the families of the victims and calling for an end to the violence in Iraq. The United States, in a statement, condemned the attack and reiterated its support for the Iraqi government in maintaining stability and security in the country.
The European Union also condemned the attack and called for all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stated that “the use of violence and military means will only lead to further instability and suffering for the Iraqi people.”
The attack on the Hashd al-Shaabi base comes at a time when Iraq is facing multiple challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, economic crisis, and political instability. The country has also been rocked by anti-government protests in recent years, with many Iraqis calling for an end to corruption and improved services.
In the midst of these challenges, the attack on the al-Dawra base serves as a reminder of the fragile security situation in Iraq and the need for all parties to work towards a peaceful and stable future for the country.
The Hashd al-Shaabi group has played a crucial role in the fight against IS and has sacrificed many of its members in the process. The attack on their base is not only a loss for the group but also for the entire country as it undermines the efforts to maintain security and stability.
It is imperative that all parties involved in the conflict in Iraq prioritize the safety and well-being of the Iraqi people and work towards a peaceful resolution. The attack on the al-Dawra base should serve as a wake-up call for all sides to put an end to the violence and engage in meaningful dialogue to address their grievances.
In the face of this tragedy, it is heartening to see the international community coming together to condemn the attack and call for a peaceful resolution. Let us hope that this unity and solidarity will pave the way for a brighter and more peaceful future for Iraq.
