Baghdad PMF blast caused by malfunction, preliminary findings say

BAGHDAD — Saturday’s explosion at a Popular Mobilization Forces headquarters in eastern Baghdad was caused by an internal malfunction, with no sign of an external attack, according to preliminary findings by Interior Ministry forensic teams, the PMF said Sunday.

“The explosion that occurred at one of the Popular Mobilization Forces’ headquarters resulted from an internal malfunction, and there is no indication of external targeting,” the PMF media directorate said. The findings are preliminary, and the PMF’s own committees and an investigative committee ordered by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi are still at work. Zaidi, as commander-in-chief, told his committee to move quickly, establish the exact cause and put safety measures in place to prevent a repeat, the Security Media Cell said.

A stockpile of damaged ammunition exploded at the facility, east of the Canal Expressway near Saad al-Witri Hospital in the Sadr al-Qanat area, on Saturday evening, starting a fire and sending thick smoke over the area. Residents of nearby Kriat reported seeing flames, and the blast was heard across surrounding neighborhoods. Five PMF members suffered minor injuries, and firefighters put out the blaze.