Explosion reported at Al-Taji military base in Iraq

Three powerful explosions were reported early Tuesday at Al-Taji military base, about 30 kilometres north of Baghdad.

The Iraqi military later confirmed that the blasts were caused by an unidentified drone targeting the facility, no casualties reported. The base, which belongs to the Iraqi army, has also hosted U.S.-led coalition forces in the past and remains one of Iraq’s key military installations.

Iraqi security forces have sealed off the area, and emergency crews are responding.

Al-Taji has previously been targeted by rocket and drone attacks in recent years during heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, due to its role as a joint operations and training site for Iraqi and foreign troops.

Baghdad Operations Commander Lt. Gen. Walid al-Tamimi has confirmed that an “unknown drone” struck an air-defence and radar installation at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, causing significant damage to the site.

Camp Victory, a former U.S. base near Baghdad International Airport, was reportedly hit by two drones. No casualties or damage have been confirmed. 

According to Iraqi media, two explosions were heard at the Balad military base in Salah al-Din province.

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