Israel Operated Secret Base in Iraq's Najaf Desert During War

Israeli forces established a makeshift base in Iraq's Najaf desert during the war against Iran, with two security officials confirming the operation was in coordination with the US. The base was set up in an abandoned airstrip built by Saddam Hussein, and Israeli forces may have left equipment behind.

The operation was detected early in the war, with clashes between Israeli and Iraqi forces resulting in the death of one Iraqi soldier and the wounding of two others.

The Israeli military has yet to comment on the operation, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The Iraqi government has protested to the US-led anti-jihadist coalition about an air raid in Najaf, with Deputy Commander of Joint Operations Qais al-Mohamadawi stating that no foreign troops were authorized to be in the location. The court will resume hearing on the matter, with further investigations into the operation expected in the coming days.