Israeli Forces Set Up Desert Outpost Amid U.S.–Israeli War with Iran

The U.S. and Israel struck Iran on 28 February, launching a war that placed Iraq in tension. Iraq hosts militias that have attacked U.S. bases and Israel, prompting reciprocal strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces on militia sites within Iraq. Iraqi government has urged all external parties to keep country out of the conflict.

Associated Press

Early March: Iraqi army receives reports of an unauthorized force; intelligence alerts to a “small enemy force” in Najaf desert. 4–5 March: Troops move to site, encounter aerial attack (one killed, two injured), return next day and find no permanent base. 8 March: Satellite images show a 1.5-km straight track near al-Nukhaib.

Associated Press

The force was small and stayed for no more than 48 hours. Iraqi officials reported one martyr and two wounded. A 1.5-km straight track suitable for aircraft was identified.

Associated Press

A U.S. official called the installation a “temporary staging area or camp to support operations in Iran.” An Iraqi intelligence official said the force’s objective was to monitor rocket launches and drone activity by Iraqi militias. Iraqi military leaders stressed the brief, limited presence. Pentagon press secretary and Israeli military declined comment.

Associated Press

Iraqi officials voiced embarrassment at a force operating on Iraqi soil without permission, calling for parties to respect Iraq’s sovereignty and withdraw. The episode underscores risk of escalation when militaries operate within Iraq’s borders, drawing Iraqi forces into hostilities and complicating diplomatic efforts to contain Iran-related conflict.

Associated Press

Iraqi authorities confirmed an unauthorized force but stopped short of labeling it Israeli, while two Iraqi and one U.S. source identified it as such. Composition, arrival method and duration remain unverified, and officials differ on whether site was a base or temporary camp.

Associated Press

• “base is a strong word to describe it” — Unnamed U.S. military official

Associated Press

• “its objective was to monitor rocket launches and drone activity conducted by some Iraqi militias.” — Iraqi intelligence official

Associated Press

• “We believe it was a small force that came and stayed for no longer than 48 hours,” — Gen. Abdul-Amir Yarallah, chief of the general staff of the Iraqi army

Associated Press

• “Within 25 kilometers, the force which went there faced an aerial attack, which led to the martyrdom of one of our fighters and injured two other fighters,” — Maj. Gen. Tahseen al Khafaji, spokesperson for the Iraqi defense ministry

Associated Press

Iraqi authorities plan continued site inspections and satellite analysis while diplomatic channels assess incident’s impact on U.S.–Israel–Iran confrontation.

Associated Press