Baghdad Suspects Israel in Strikes on Weapons Depots

Baghdad authorities are investigating a series of explosions that occurred last week at two sites along the Eastern Canal. Sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat reported that a significant cache of Chinese-made portable anti-aircraft missile systems was destroyed in the attacks. These weapons had recently arrived from Iran and were intended for Iraqi armed factions. While the exact method of attack has not been officially determined, government representatives stated there are grounds to suspect Israel's involvement. The depots were utilized by the Popular Mobilization Forces and other groups actively moving strategic weapons and drones in recent weeks. These groups reportedly attempted to conceal the locations of the facilities to avoid detection, but the explosions affected several such sites across Baghdad. The arrival of these air defense systems coincided with reports of covert arms shipments from China to Iran, despite denials from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Iraqi factions are reportedly using a declared truce to transfer equipment, anticipating a regional conflict escalation. A senior political advisor in Baghdad commented that these events reflect growing concerns within intelligence circles, suggesting that a confrontation between the U.S., Israel, and Iran may have already begun within Iraq, targeting supply lines and depots of Iran-aligned forces.