Explosion at US-led Coalition’s Military Base in Baghdad Raises Concerns Before Iran’s President Visit
Late on Tuesday, an explosion was heard at a US-led coalition’s military base at the Baghdad International Airport, just a day before Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was scheduled to visit. The Iraqi security forces reported the incident, stating that the explosion occurred in the area occupied by international coalition advisers. However, the origin of the explosion remains unknown as no group has claimed responsibility for it.
The explosion, caused by two Katyusha-type rockets, targeted the wall of the Iraqi anti-terrorist forces compound and the base hosting the international anti-jihadist coalition led by Washington. Fortunately, air traffic was unaffected, and no flights were interrupted. The incident raises concerns about the security situation in Iraq, especially with the Iranian president’s visit imminent.
Iran and Iraq, both Shiite-majority countries, have strengthened their relations over the past two decades. Iran is one of Iraq’s leading trade partners and holds significant political influence in Baghdad, where its Iraqi allies dominate parliament and the current government. The Iranian-backed armed group, Ketaeb Hezbollah, condemned the attack, labeling it an attempt to disrupt the Iranian president’s visit. The group called on the Iraqi security services to identify the perpetrators.
The US-led coalition forces have faced numerous attacks in Iraq and Syria over the past year, with drones and rocket fire targeting their bases. These attacks have been linked to the escalating violence related to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East. In response, the US forces have carried out retaliatory strikes against these groups in both countries.
To mitigate the situation and protect Iraq from the fallout of regional tensions, the United States and Iraq have been engaged in negotiations for a phased pull-out of US-led anti-jihadist forces. Currently, the United States has approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of the international coalition against the Daesh group. Iraqi security forces have expressed confidence in their ability to handle the remnants of the Islamic State (IS) independently, as the group no longer poses a significant threat.
The incident at the US-led coalition’s military base highlights the ongoing security challenges in Iraq and the broader Middle East. The country has been a battleground for various regional and international powers, with armed groups vying for influence and control. The attack also underscores the delicate balance Iraq must maintain between its close ties with Iran and its strategic partnership with the United States.
As tensions persist in the region, it is crucial for Iraq to prioritize stability and security. The government must enhance its intelligence capabilities to identify and neutralize threats effectively. Additionally, international cooperation and support will be vital in strengthening Iraq’s security apparatus and preventing further attacks on coalition forces.
The upcoming visit of the Iranian president adds another layer of complexity to the situation. It remains to be seen how the Iraqi government will navigate the visit and ensure the safety of all parties involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of Iraq’s security environment and the need for continuous vigilance.
In conclusion, the explosion at the US-led coalition’s military base in Baghdad raises concerns about the security situation in Iraq. As tensions escalate in the region, Iraq must prioritize stability and security to protect its interests and maintain a delicate balance between its alliances with Iran and the United States. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Iraq and the need for international cooperation to strengthen its security apparatus.