Following a Wall Street Journal expose on a purported "secret Israeli base" established in Iraq amid the Iran conflict, Iraqi officials and militias have mobilized to investigate.

The report claimed Israel constructed and secured a clandestine base for operations against Iran. In response, Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) - dominated by Iran-supported factions - alongside the army, initiated a major sweep dubbed an effort to "enforce sovereignty in the Najaf desert."

These PMF units, including US-designated terrorist organizations like Kataib Hezbollah, hold significant sway in Iraq's security landscape. Recently, they have been stationed near the Syrian frontier.

Baghdad first dismissed the base's existence. Subsequent accounts suggested a US advisory in March urged Iraqis to avoid a southern site, coupled with unverified tales of an airstrike and a shepherd's death.

The uproar has compelled Iraq's leadership to act decisively, dispatching PMF contingents to the south as a demonstration of resolve.

A display of muscle during fragile political transition

The PMF's deployment to an area ostensibly under its purview underscores efforts to highlight its indispensable role in national defense.

This unfolds against US demands to exclude militia affiliates from the incoming administration led by prime minister-designate Ali al-Zaydi, selected two weeks ago after prolonged post-election deadlock from November 2025. Iraq navigates a precarious juncture.

Sajjad al-Asadi, chief of staff for the PMF's Middle Euphrates Operations Command, revealed joint PMF and army maneuvers in the Najaf desert, triggered by sightings of a "Zionist-American" airdrop.

The PMF's official statement detailed involvement from Middle Euphrates, Karbala, and Anbar commands plus the 2nd Brigade, advancing on four fronts to dominate the desert.

Forces advanced from the al-Faj checkpoint into the desert core, aiming for comprehensive oversight of the terrain and adjacent borders.

The sweep spans a 120 km radius across southern Iraq, from the cement factory through al-Nukhayb to the Arar crossing.

Iraqi outlets like Shafaq News are tracking the activity. Yet, the Joint Operations Command reported no traces of foreign personnel or gear in Karbala and Najaf deserts, per Shafaq.

Such declarations prompt scrutiny over the necessity of fresh PMF incursions, suggesting the exercise prioritizes optics over urgency.

'Unknown fighters backed by aerial support'

Shafaq News cited Security Media Cell head Lt. Gen. Saad Maan, who linked recent buzz to a March 4, 2026 clash east of al-Nukhayb. Iraqi troops there engaged mystery gunmen with air backing, suffering one fatality and two injuries.

The delay in response since March fuels speculation on Baghdad's prior awareness.

Ex-Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi posted on X that verified reports of a hidden base in Najaf would signal a severe sovereignty violation, demanding full disclosure and accountability.

He stressed true protection requires a robust state with autonomous decisions, nationwide authority, legalized arms, and insulation from proxy battles.

Kadhimi, seen as US-aligned and a foe of Iran-backed groups during his tenure, voices a common Iraqi sentiment.

Local media and figures fixate on the story, relaying Israeli coverage. Fascination with external narratives pressures the government, exposing perceived frailties.

MP Shaker Abu Turab al-Tamimi told Shafaq a camp persists in western Iraq, off-limits to Iraqi troops. He cited intel from two months prior confirming its presence.

Social media circulates PMF images from the south. Parallel online furor involves an Israeli report of a Jewish magazine journalist's Iraq visit, stoking infiltration theories.

Concurrently, Iraq advances Saudi border enhancements. Shafaq reported Najaf advisor Shahid al-Aridhi leading a committee to inspect the Al-Hakim crossing and access road with officials to assess progress.