The explosion was heard around 11:00 PM local time, particularly in the area occupied by international coalition advisors. According to Major General Tahseen Al Khafaji, spokesman for the Joint Operations Command, Iraqi security forces are currently investigating the origin of the blast, which has not been claimed by any group.

Preliminary reports indicate that two Katyusha rockets were responsible for the explosion, with one striking the wall of the Iraqi anti-terrorist forces compound and the other landing within the base hosting the coalition forces.

Air traffic at the airport remained unaffected, and no flights were disrupted.

The incident has raised concerns, especially as it occurred just before President Pezeshkian’s visit, marking his first trip abroad since taking office in July. Iranian-backed groups in Iraq have condemned the attack, suggesting it was intended to complicate the Iranian president’s visit.

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The United States has around 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of the coalition against the Daesh group, and negotiations are ongoing regarding a phased withdrawal of these forces.