Iraq Suspects Israel Behind Attack on Iranian Arms Shipment
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Iraqi sources suspect Israel of attacking two militia storage sites near Baghdad last week, which allegedly held Iranian-supplied air defense systems. The explosions, which Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi initially attributed to faulty ammunition, are part of a series of incidents targeting militia depots. While some Iraqi officials suspect Israel, others state there is no conclusive evidence. The strikes are seen as an effort to curb militia involvement in potential regional conflicts.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Iraqi sources suspect Israel attacked militia storage sites near Baghdad last week.
- The sites allegedly held Iranian-supplied Chinese-made air defense systems.
- An explosion at an Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi facility on October 17 was initially blamed on faulty ammunition.
- Forensic investigators suggested an internal malfunction, but some Iraqi officials still suspect Israel.
- The strikes may aim to limit militia capacity in a renewed regional conflict.
Iraqi sources suspect Israel was responsible for strikes on two storage sites belonging to pro-Iranian militias near Baghdad last week, according to a report by Asharq Al-Awsat. The sites allegedly stored Chinese-made air defense systems that had arrived from Iran. The sources indicated the targeted weapons were shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles, and the attack occurred shortly after their arrival at the warehouses. These explosions are reportedly part of a series of incidents since early October involving militia storage sites, including those for attack and reconnaissance drones.
The report references an explosion on October 17 at a facility belonging to Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi, east of the canal in Baghdad. The organization initially stated that a cache of faulty ammunition had exploded, injuring five members lightly. The Iraqi Prime Minister ordered an investigation into the circumstances, which also caused damage to nearby homes.
However, Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi later presented preliminary findings from forensic investigators at the Interior Ministry, suggesting an internal malfunction with no signs of external impact. Despite this, a security official cited by Asharq Al-Awsat believes there is a basis for suspecting Israel, while a government official clarified that no decisive information about the perpetrators is available. The exact method of the attack remains unclear. A senior political advisor suggested the strikes on supply routes aim to limit the militias' capacity to participate in a renewed regional conflict.
