Iraq Suspects Israeli Attack on Iranian Arms Depots

Iraq suspects Israel of attacking two weapons depots last week that stored Chinese-made anti-aircraft shoulder-fired missiles transferred from Iran to militias loyal to Tehran, according to a report in the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat citing Iraqi sources. The sources stated that the strikes destroyed a large shipment of air defense systems shortly after they arrived at the two sites. A security official told the newspaper that Baghdad authorities have grounds to suspect Israel's responsibility for the attacks, though the method of execution remains unclear. However, an Iraqi government official clarified that there is no conclusive information yet identifying the perpetrator. Iraq is investigating whether the depot damage is part of a US-Israeli preparation for further confrontation with Iran. An intelligence assessment in Iraq suggests that operations may already be underway within its territory to disrupt militia supply lines, thereby reducing their capacity to participate in the war.