Fire erupts in Hashd al-Shaabi weapon storage in Iraq

BAGHDAD

Fire allegedly broke out in an ammunition depot of the Hashd al-Shaabi militia group in Iraq, local media outlets reported Tuesday.

The fire emerged in the Hit district of Iraq’s western Anbar city where Hashd al-Shaabi has a weapon storage.

Some reports claim the fire was triggered following airstrikes by an unidentified fighter jet.

Reports claim there were people killed or wounded due to the fire.

-Airstrikes

Multiple ammunition depots of Hashd al-Shaabi units were targeted between July 19 and Aug. 25. The paramilitary group accused Israel of carrying out the attacks.

Iraqi President Barham Salih said an investigation into the airstrikes was underway.

Hashd al-Shaabi Deputy Chairman Abu Mahdi Muhandis said Aug. 21 the U.S. was responsible for the attacks and had used four Israeli drones to target the group and Iraqi military bases.

The same day, Falih Alfayyadh, Hashd al-Shaabi’s chairman and Iraq’s National Security Council advisor, said the attack was planned from “outside” but added that Muhandis’ statement did not reflect the official view of the paramilitary organization.

Alfayyadh refrained from openly accusing the U.S. and Israel of carrying out the attacks.

In addition, U.K.-based Asharq Al-Awsat daily alleged the Tel Aviv administration received approval from the U.S. and Russia and struck Iranian missile and ammunition depots in Iraq.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Aug. 20 that Iran’s military elements in Iraq were targeted by the country’s army in July.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas