An airstrike hit a roadside service station near Checkpoint 45 on the Karbala–Baghdad road early on Wednesday. The station was serving Arbaeen pilgrims who were travelling to Karbala. According to initial reports, no casualties were reported in the incident.
The roadside station was one of many volunteer rest areas set up to support millions of pilgrims during the Arbaeen pilgrimage. These rest stops provide free food, drinking water, medical assistance, and temporary shelter to travellers making the journey on foot.
Following the incident, the US Central Command and Saudi Arabia stated that they had carried out coordinated precision strikes against Iran-aligned groups in Iraq.
According to their statements, the operation was launched in response to a series of drone attacks targeting US military personnel and Saudi energy facilities.
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said that several of their locations were hit during the strikes. However, Iran rejected the allegations linking it to the drone attacks and denied any involvement in the incidents.
The developments have increased tensions in the region, where security concerns have remained high in recent months. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations and assessments of the strikes continue.
Despite the incident, the Arbaeen pilgrimage has continued, with millions of people travelling to Karbala to take part in one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings. Authorities are working to maintain security and ensure the safety of pilgrims throughout the event.
The situation remains under close observation as regional officials and international parties continue to respond to the latest developments.
