Iraqi militias bombed by unmanned aircraft, one killed: Security sources

An unmanned aircraft dropped explosives on a base belonging to Iran-linked Shi'ite paramilitary groups in northernIraqon Friday, killing at least one person, the army and paramilitary sources said.

TheIraqi military said in a statement a drone had dropped a grenade onto the base in northern Salahuddin province, wounding at least two people, but gave no further details.

Paramilitary sources in the area and a Baghdad-based paramilitary leader said one person had been killed in the attack, which took place early on Friday.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

A security source said two explosions hit the base, one targeting an ammunition depot belonging to an Iran-backed group.

The Pentagon denied that US forces were involved in the attack, after at least one Saudi-based news channel reported US strikes on the base.

The incident took place amid heightened tension between the United States and Iran.

Iraqis seen as a potential arena for any violent regional confrontation between the two foes because of the presence of Iran-backed Shi'ite Muslim paramilitary groups operating in close proximity to bases hosting US forces.

Islamic State militants, also enemies of the Shi'ite paramilitaries, operate in the area where the base is located and in many remote areas of northernIraq, despite the group having lost its sway over territory.

It has claimed attacks againstIraqi forces in recent months.

SeveralIraqi bases hosting US forces were hit by several rockets a few weeks ago in unclaimed attacks in which no one was hurt.

Washington is pressingIraq's government to rein in Iran-backed paramilitary groups which it says pose a threat to US interests inIraq.

The United States has blamed Iran for attacks on several oil tankers in the Gulf. Tehran denies any involvement.