Tension continues in Middle East, pro-Iranian troops bomb Iraq

A military base in central Iraq was "bombed" overnight amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. According to reports, army soldiers and pro-Iranian paramilitary forces lived in this military base. The US military has denied any role in the attack.

One person died and eight were injured in the explosion at Kelso base in Iraq. Sources said that the former pro-Iranian paramilitary group Hashed al-Shaabi is deployed at the base.

A statement from the Hashd al-Shaabi, an organization of mostly Shiite armed groups formed to fight ISIS, said the overnight attack had caused significant damage. This is now the base of Iraqi security forces.

Sources said that equipment, weapons and vehicles were affected by the explosion. An unnamed military officer supported this, saying that the explosions occurred in "warehouses storing equipment". There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack yet.

The US Army said on social media that its forces were not involved in this attack. It said, "We are aware of reports claiming that the United States has conducted air strikes in Iraq today. Those reports are not true. The United States has not conducted air strikes in Iraq today." "

The latest attack comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, the Middle East's two arch enemies, who are on the brink of war as a result of the Gaza conflict.

Earlier this month, Israel attacked Iran's embassy in Syria, killing at least 11 people, including a top Revolutionary Guard commander. In response, Iran launched a major drone and missile attack on Israel earlier this week.

According to American officials, the tit-for-tat policy was also seen when Israel carried out a drone attack on Iranian soil on Friday. Explosions were reported near Isfahan, Iran's third largest city, due to which it had to activate its air defense system in many cities.

There were reports of missiles being fired near Isfahan, but Iran said they had shot down several drones and there was no "missile attack" at this time.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, while speaking to NBC News, downplayed Friday's drone attack and said that its connection with Israel has not been proven yet. He also called drones "toys that our children play with."

Hossein Amirabdollahian also warned that if Israel acts against Iran's interests, its response will be immediate and at the "maximum level". "If Israel wants to make another audacity and act against Iran's interests, our next response will be immediate and at the maximum level," he said.