A powerful explosion occurred two hours ago at the headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the Jurf al-Nasr district south of Baghdad. According to the official version of the PMF command, the explosion was caused by the detonation of an unexploded ordnance from the ISIS era (Islamic State, a terrorist group banned in Russia), which was being defused inside the building.

"The explosion was caused by an ISIS-era improvised explosive device that was being defused inside the headquarters.",” the Hashd al-Shaabi press service said in a statement.

Information on casualties and damage is being clarified. Rescue services and military engineers have arrived at the scene. The area has been cordoned off.