12 Aug 2019 | 10:00 PM UTC
Iraq: Explosions at weapons depot kill one, injure 29 in Baghdad August 12 /update 1
Explosions and fire at weapons depot in Baghdad kill one person, injure 29 others August 12; shells reportedly fall in vicinity of Green Zone, causing sirens to blare at US Embassy in Baghdad
Event
Explosions and a fire were reported at a weapons depot in the Abu Dashir area in southern Baghdad on Monday, August 12, leaving at least one person dead and 29 others injured. The depot is reportedly run within a federal police base by the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Local sources indicate that sirens are sounding at the US Embassy in Baghdad due to shells from the weapons depot falling in the vicinity of the Green Zone. Police claim the explosions and fire at the site were caused by high temperatures and improper weapons storage.
A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected in affected areas over the coming hours.
Advice
Individuals in Baghdad are advised to monitor developments, avoid affected areas, and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
