Manhole cover theft injures 18-year-old in Baghdad district

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An 18-year-old was injured in Baghdad's Ciyad district after falling into an uncovered drainage hole, local officials said. Ali Mohammed told reporters he was holding his younger brother at the time and managed to prevent the child from falling in. Baghdad Municipality spokesperson Adiy al-Jundil said security forces have arrested multiple suspects in coordinated operations against manhole cover theft gangs. The covers are being removed and sold to recycling facilities through illicit channels, according to officials. Al-Jundil acknowledged that manhole cover theft has reached dangerous levels across several areas of the city. The municipality has called on residents to report suspicious activity to the 911 emergency line. Neighborhood residents said they are concerned for children's safety and that their own precautions have not provided a lasting solution to the problem.