Explosions hit Iraqi Shiite militia base; authorities probe suspected Israeli strikes on weapons depots

A series of explosions struck a base belonging to Al-Hashd al-Shaabi, the umbrella organization of Shiite militias in Iraq, causing casualties. Unofficial reports from militia-affiliated channels suggest the attack was carried out by enemy aircraft. Iraqi authorities are investigating suspected Israeli airstrikes against two weapons depots near Baghdad that occurred last week. The targeted depots reportedly stored Chinese-made air defense systems, apparently advanced shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles (MANPADS) recently transferred from Iran to Tehran-affiliated militias. The suspected strikes coincided with intensive Israeli Air Force activity over Syria and Iraq.