Moment huge explosion hits base of Iranian-backed Iraqi army unit

Oliver Browning

20 April 2024 at 4:54 am·1-min read

Footage released on social media on Saturday 20 April appears to show huge explosions at a military base belonging to Iraq’s Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Babylon, south of Baghdad.

The cause of the blast hasn't been confirmed.

Footage from a car shows huge explosions in the distance from an ammunition depot inside the military base, followed by what appears to launch bright fragments into the sky and with huge smoke and fire.

A statement from the Iran-backed PMF said "an explosion occurred at the headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Forces at the Kalsu military base".

One PMF fighter was killed and six were wounded, according to sources at the nearby hospital in Hilla.

The Independent is unable to independently verify the content, date and conditions under which the footage was filmed.

Australian Associated Press
Magpies superstar Daicos sinks Carlton with late goal
Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos has delivered another special performance, kicking a match-winning goal with a minute remaining to sink Carlton at the MCG.
6 minutes ago
Australian Associated Press
Rebels fall to Blues after win in creditors vote
While the Rebels have survived a creditors vote on liquidating the club, they have lost to the Blues 38-11 in their Super Rugby Pacific clash in Melbourne.
29 minutes ago
Australian Associated Press
Skeletons minus hands, feet found in Hitler Wolf's Lair
Amateur archaeologists have uncovered five skeletons without hands and feet at Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's Wolf's Lair military headquarters in Poland.
43 minutes ago
Australian Associated Press
Reynolds injured as rampant Roosters overpower Broncos
Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds is facing three months on the sidelines with a biceps injury as the Sydney Roosters ran riot to post a 40-18 win.
49 minutes ago
Australian Associated Press
Canberra's Whitehead sparks comeback win over Manly
Elliott Whitehead has inspired Canberra to a come-from-behind win over Manly, sealing an upset two-point victory for the Raiders.
2 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
London High Court rules UK climate action plan unlawful
The UK government's carbon budget delivery plan to meet its target of net zero by 2050 is unlawful, London's High Court has ruled.
2 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
Waratahs thumped again as Super Rugby finals hopes fade
The table-topping Hurricanes have exposed the NSW Waratahs as title pretenders with a 41-12 Super Rugby Pacific thrashing in Wellington.
3 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
Australia replace India on top of Test cricket rankings
Australia have leaped above India to the top of the ICC's Test rankings despite not having played since winning 2-0 in New Zealand in March.
3 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
US, Australia, Japan, Philippines deepen defence ties
Defence chiefs from Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the US have vowed to deepen co-operation amid concerns about China's moves in the South China Sea.
3 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
Torres Strait Islanders ask court to save island homes
Torres Strait Islander elders have made their final arguments in a case challenging the federal government over climate change action.
3 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
Renegades axe coach Saker after poor BBL campaign
The Melbourne Renegades have belatedly confirmed the sacking of coach David Saker, four days after a report was published about his future.
4 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
Russian troops enter base housing US military in Niger
A US defence official says Russian troops have arrived at an air base in Niger where US troops are stationed after the junta told the Americans to withdraw.
4 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
AFL stops Carey's elevation to NSW legend status
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has confirmed the league intervened to stop Wayne Carey being elevated to legend status in the NSW football hall of fame.
4 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
NRL to review heat policies after young player's death
The NRL should look at mandating a two-week acclimatisation period when players return from off-season, a coroner has said after a death from heat exhaustion.
5 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
Training boost to repair electric car mechanic shortage
Changes to a national apprenticeship scheme could have more mechanics learning to fix electric vehicles at a critical time for the industry, experts say.
5 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
'Only path to peace': minister backs two-state solution
The only way out of the Middle East's cycle of violence is ultimately ensuring a two-state solution, Australia's foreign minister says.
5 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
Leishman, Herbert well poised at LIV Singapore
Australians Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert are close to the lead after the first round of the LIV Golf tournament in Singapore
5 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
Rebels face more hurdles despite $25m rescue plan
The Melbourne Rebels may survive as a Super Rugby Pacific side after creditors voted against liquidating the debt-ridden club.
5 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
Tents, ute linked to missing Australian brothers
Officials say all lines of investigation remain open in the search for Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson, who are missing on a Mexican surfing trip.
5 hours ago
Australian Associated Press
Walton back as Phoenix rise to NBL rebuilding challenge
US-born star point guard Derrick Walton Jr has signed a one-year deal with the South East Melbourne Phoenix after helping Sydney win the NBL title in 2023.
5 hours ago

Latest stories