Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) said that an investigation was under way after a bombing overnight on Friday at an Iraqi military base housing pro-Iranian armed groups.
The attack killed one member of the PMF and wounded at least eight people, including an Iraqi army personnel, the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani said on Saturday.
Iraqi security sources said it was most likely carried out by Israel, adding that fighter jets were used, and not drones, as was previously reported.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a group of pro-Iranian armed groups claimed on Saturday morning that it had attacked Eilat in Israel, in response to the strike.
Palestinian group Hamas strongly condemned the attack, calling it a blatant breach of Iraq's sovereignty and security and a manifestation of the "Zionist barbarism that expands its aggression on the region."
Images on social media showed a large fire at the Kalsu base
The base reportedly houses PMF units, Iraqi army and federal police forces.
The PMF claimed the US was responsible for the attack.
US Central Command posted a statement on X disputing the reports, saying that “the United States has not conducted air strikes in Iraq today”.
Iraqi militias have halted attacks on US forces since February 4 due to a truce between Washington and Tehran, but are claiming attacks against Israel on a regular basis.
In January, the US struck targets in Iraq and Syria following attacks on American troops in the region.
The reported air strike comes as Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani is concluding a visit to Washington during which he discussed plans for the withdrawal of US and allied troops from the country.
The explosion on the Iraqi military base comes amid tensions over the war between Israel and Iran-backed Palestinian militants Hamas.
On Friday, strikes blamed on Israel fell on a military base near the city of Isfahan in central Iran.
Israeli officials made no public comment on Friday's attack and Iranian officials have played down its significance.
THE BIO
Age: 33
Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill
Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.
Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?
Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Opening day UAE Premiership fixtures, Friday, September 22:
- Dubai Sports City Eagles v Dubai Exiles
- Dubai Hurricanes v Abu Dhabi Saracens
- Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
RESULT
Manchester City 1 Sheffield United 0
Man City: Jesus (9')
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
MATCH INFO
Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')
Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')
