Baghdad: Iraq reiterated its denial of the presence of any ‘unauthorized bases or forces’ on its territory, including the desert areas of Karbala and Najaf. ‘We are closely monitoring reports and statements regarding the presence of unauthorized bases and forces on Iraqi territory, specifically in the desert of Karbala east of Nukhayb and Najaf,” the Security Media Cell of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command said in a statement on Monday evening.

According to Anadolu Agency, the statement cited an incident on March 5, where an Iraqi security force moved from the Karbala operations command, as well as from Najaf, and engaged with unidentified, unauthorized armed groups supported by aircraft. The clash resulted in the death of an Iraqi security member, injuries to two others, and damage to a military vehicle.

The statement added that Iraqi security forces were determined to reach the area and maintain pressure, which forced the unauthorized detachments to withdraw. Iraqi security continues to search all areas, particularly desert regions, regularly up to the international borders with neighboring countries.

The statement emphasized that there have been no unauthorized bases or forces on Iraqi territory throughout the period in question. A senior Iraqi security official, speaking to Anadolu on Sunday, also denied media reports claiming Israel had established a secret military base in Iraq’s desert to support airstrikes against Iran, calling the reports ‘false.’

The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, reported on Saturday that Israel had established a secret military site in Iraq’s desert to support attacks against Iran. The newspaper claimed Israeli special forces were deployed at the site, which allegedly served as a logistics hub for the Israeli air force.