Israeli forces reportedly operated a clandestine military base in the desert region of Najaf during the recent war against Iran, according to security officials cited by AFP and a report published by The Wall Street Journal.
Two Iraqi security officials said Israeli troops established a temporary base at an abandoned airstrip originally built during the rule of Saddam Hussein. The installation was reportedly used during the conflict that began after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
According to one official, Iraqi forces discovered the presence of foreign troops in the Najaf desert early in the conflict, leading to clashes between Iraqi soldiers and the unidentified force. One Iraqi soldier was killed and two others were wounded during heavy aerial fire, officials said.
The security sources claimed the Israeli operation was conducted with US coordination, although the exact duration and objective of the mission remain unclear. Officials added that the forces may have left behind equipment after vacating the site.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that Israel had established the outpost to support its air campaign against Iran. Citing people familiar with the matter, including US officials, the report said the installation housed special forces personnel and served as a logistical hub with the knowledge of the United States.
The Israel Defense Forces has not publicly commented on the allegations.
The conflict significantly affected Iraq, where Iran-backed armed groups launched repeated attacks on US interests and military facilities across Iraq and the Gulf region. In response, strikes attributed to the US and Israel targeted militia positions linked to Tehran.
Reports of unusual military activity in the Najaf desert first emerged after a local shepherd alerted authorities to suspicious movements in the area. Iraqi deputy commander of joint operations Qais al-Mohamadawi had earlier stated that Iraqi forces investigating the area came under intense aerial attack.
Mohamadawi said reinforcements later searched the desert but found no foreign troops remaining. He also stressed that no external military force had been authorised to operate in that location.
Another Iraqi security official cited in the report said there were “indications” that the operation involved an Israeli technical team, further fuelling speculation about covert Israeli activity inside Iraqi territory during the regional conflict.
