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Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces report three fatalities in Baghdad blast, announces inquiry
The blast occurred amid rising regional tension, following Israeli media reports that Israel may open a new front in Iraq to strike Iran-backed militias.
07.11.2025
By Dana Taib Menmy
Source:https://www.newarab.com/news/iraqs-pmf-says-three-killed-explosion-near-baghdad
The death toll from Tuesday's suspicious explosion at Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) headquarters in Jurf al-Naddaf, south of Baghdad, has risen to three. There is speculation that Israel might be behind the attack.
The PMF, in a statement on Tuesday, announced the deaths of three of its members killed while on duty, and it also announced the formation of a committee to compensate those affected.
"PMF mourns with deep sorrow and pride its righteous martyrs who fell while performing their sacred duty in Baghdad," reads the PMF statement naming the slain members as Murtadha Kazem Al-Darraji, Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al-Mutairi, and Waad Hassan Al-Amari.
"These heroes have written, with their blood, pages of honour and sacrifice," the statement read. The PMF added that it "will remain the protective shield of Iraq and its people. We are steadfast in defending Iraq's land, sovereignty, and holy sites. We will continue the path of martyrdom chosen by our righteous fallen."
On Thursday, the PMF announced the formation of a committee to assess the explosion and compensate those affected, noting that the committee will collaborate with local and security officials to document losses and ensure compensation for all affected citizens. The PMF reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of citizens and pledged support for Iraqis in all situations.
The large explosion happened amid growing regional tension. Israeli media previously reported that Israel may be preparing a new front in Iraq to target Iran-backed militias. Israeli media claimed that Iran had increased its support for these groups, and that would threaten Israel’s security.
Before the blast, The New Arab asked a senior Iraqi military official about Israeli media claims. The official called them "baseless rumours" and gave no official response.
Security and medical sources in Baghdad said the blast tore through the compound used by several PMF factions, but it was unclear which group was targeted or what caused the explosion. Flames and smoke rose across much of the capital. CCTV footage showed the moment of the explosion. Online videos showed thick smoke over the site and damage in the area.
Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi, during an interview with Al-Sharqiya News Channel aired on Sunday, said that US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned him about a planned military operation in Syria. Hegseth warned Iraqi factions not to respond to US actions.
Iraq is preparing for its sixth parliamentary elections since the 2003 US-led invasion. Elections are scheduled for 11 November, amid sharp political divisions. Mixed signals from Washington have raised concerns among political actors, particularly among Shia forces.
Al-Abbasi said the warning focused on Iranian-linked Iraqi militias and showed Washington’s intent to prevent their interference.
The strongly worded warning came two days after a message from Mark Savaya, US President Donald Trump's special envoy to Iraq.
In an official statement on 31 October, Savaya emphasised that armed groups operating outside state authority have no place in Iraq. He emphasised that Iraq's stability and prosperity depend on unified security forces under a single government, as well as cooperation between federal and regional authorities to ensure lasting security, economic growth, and national cohesion.
Experts say this forms part of a broader US strategy to curb Iranian influence in Iraq and the region, with potential military action looming.
Iraq has pledged to bring all weapons under state control, but the prime minister stated on Monday that this will not be possible as long as a US-led coalition remains in the country, which some Iraqi factions view as an occupying force.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated that a plan remains in place for the multinational anti-Islamic State coalition to fully withdraw from Iraq, one of Iran’s closest Arab allies, by September 2026, as the threat from Islamist militant groups has significantly decreased.
Formed in 2014 after a religious edict by Grand Ayatollah Ali, the PMF is a coalition of mostly Iran-backed Shia militias. It was officially integrated into Iraq’s security apparatus in 2016.
The blast occurred amid rising regional tension, following Israeli media reports that Israel may open a new front in Iraq to strike Iran-
07.11.2025
By Dana Taib Menmy
Source:https://www.newarab.com/news/iraqs-
The death toll from Tuesday's suspicious explosion at Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) headquarters in Jurf al-
The PMF, in a statement on Tuesday, announced the deaths of three of its members killed while on duty, and it also announced the formation of a committee to compensate those affected.
"PMF mourns with deep sorrow and pride its righteous martyrs who fell while performing their sacred duty in Baghdad," reads the PMF statement naming the slain members as Murtadha Kazem Al-
"These heroes have written, with their blood, pages of honour and sacrifice," the statement read. The PMF added that it "will remain the protective shield of Iraq and its people. We are steadfast in defending Iraq's land, sovereignty, and holy sites. We will continue the path of martyrdom chosen by our righteous fallen."
On Thursday, the PMF announced the formation of a committee to assess the explosion and compensate those affected, noting that the committee will collaborate with local and security officials to document losses and ensure compensation for all affected citizens. The PMF reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of citizens and pledged support for Iraqis in all situations.
The large explosion happened amid growing regional tension. Israeli media previously reported that Israel may be preparing a new front in Iraq to target Iran-
Before the blast, The New Arab asked a senior Iraqi military official about Israeli media claims. The official called them "baseless rumours" and gave no official response.
Security and medical sources in Baghdad said the blast tore through the compound used by several PMF factions, but it was unclear which group was targeted or what caused the explosion. Flames and smoke rose across much of the capital. CCTV footage showed the moment of the explosion. Online videos showed thick smoke over the site and damage in the area.
Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet Al-
Iraq is preparing for its sixth parliamentary elections since the 2003 US-
Al-
In an official statement on 31 October, Savaya emphasised that armed groups operating outside state authority have no place in Iraq. He emphasised that Iraq's stability and prosperity depend on unified security forces under a single government, as well as cooperation between federal and regional authorities to ensure lasting security, economic growth, and national cohesion.
Experts say this forms part of a broader US strategy to curb Iranian influence in Iraq and the region, with potential military action looming.
Iraq has pledged to bring all weapons under state control, but the prime minister stated on Monday that this will not be possible as long as a US-
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-
Formed in 2014 after a religious edict by Grand Ayatollah Ali, the PMF is a coalition of mostly Iran-