Two killed in bombing of Kataib Hezbollah headquarters in Jurf al-Nasr, Babil
Iraqi security sources reported on Saturday that two people were killed and others wounded in several airstrikes targeting a site belonging to Kataib Hezbollah in the Jurf al-Nasr area (formerly known as Jurf al-Sakhr), north of Babil province. Initial reports indicated that the powerful explosions that rocked the area were caused by an airstrike, believed to have been carried out by drones, targeting a strategic headquarters of the armed group, which is part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, south of Baghdad.
The Jurf al-Nasr area is of immense strategic and geographical importance, situated at the tri-border area between the provinces of Baghdad, Babylon, and Anbar. This area witnessed fierce battles during the years of war against the ISIS terrorist organization before being fully recaptured and transformed into a closed military zone under the control of armed factions, most notably Kataib Hezbollah, which uses it as a main headquarters, storage site, and training area due to its commanding location connecting southern Iraq with its central and western regions.
This incident comes amid escalating security tensions in the region, with a recent spate of attacks targeting armed factions in Iraq. These incidents are often linked to the volatile regional context and the ongoing conflict between international powers and factions within the "axis of resistance." Kataib Hezbollah is considered one of the most influential and well-armed factions in Iraq and has been the target of previous attacks in various areas. However, the attack on Jurf al-Nasr carries particular security implications due to the area's extensive fortifications.
Observers of Iraqi security affairs believe that the repeated airstrikes on sensitive military sites pose significant challenges to the Iraqi government in maintaining security and protecting national sovereignty, in addition to raising concerns about the country becoming an arena for settling regional and international scores. The incident also raises questions about the identity of the perpetrators, given the initial official silence and the lack of any group immediately claiming responsibility, opening the door to multiple scenarios ranging from external bombing to targeted internal attacks.
On the ground, security forces imposed a tight cordon around the site of the attack and prevented anyone from approaching it, while ambulances rushed to transport the victims and the wounded. An official statement is expected from the relevant authorities or the Popular Mobilization Forces to clarify the circumstances of the attack and the final casualty count. Meanwhile, Baghdad and neighboring provinces are experiencing heightened security and anticipation of any repercussions that may arise from this dangerous escalation.
