Iraq: Blasts hit Shiite militia groups position near Balad airbase

A number of blasts have hit a position held by Iraqi Shiite militia groups near Balad air base north of Baghdad on Tuesday, an Iraqi military official and a source in a paramilitary group said. The blasts were caused by airstrikes but who carried out the strikes has not been reported yet.

Today's alleged airstrikes on Iran-backed Shia militia group comes days after Iraqi PM ordering restriction on airspace access for the US-led coalition and several armed factions.

Balad base hosts U.S. forces and contractors and is located about 80 km (50 miles) north of Baghdad. An Iraqi Shi'ite militia group, which is backed by Iran, is stationed nearby.

The military official said the intended target of the blasts was the militia's position near the base. The paramilitary source said his group's weapons depot was specifically targeted by an aerial bombardment.

The U.S.-led coalition has not made any comment yet. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Witnesses said the explosions caused stored rockets to fly into nearby orchards and into Balad base itself.