The Joint Operations Command denied on Monday the presence of any unauthorized bases or forces on Iraqi territory, specifically in the holy desert of Karbala, east of Al-Nukhayb, and Najaf al-Ashraf.

In a statement, the Joint Operations Command mentioned, "We are closely monitoring the statements and news being circulated regarding the presence of unauthorized bases and forces on Iraqi territory, specifically in the desert of Karbala east of Al-Nukhayb and Najaf," indicating that "we previously confirmed the matter relates to an incident that occurred on 5/3/2026, where an Iraqi security force from the Karbala Operations Command and also from Najaf moved and clashed with unknown unauthorized detachments supported by aircraft at that time, resulting in the martyrdom of a fighter from the Iraqi security forces, injuries to two others, and the disabling of a vehicle."

The Command added that, "There was a strong determination and resolve from our brave security detachments to reach this area and its surroundings and to continue exerting pressure and presence there, which forced the unauthorized detachments to depart and withdraw, taking advantage of their air cover. Our security detachments and their various leaderships, under the directives and planning of the Joint Operations Command, continue to inspect all sectors, especially in desert areas, regularly up to the international borders with all neighboring countries."

It continued: "There are also reports on the above duties endorsed by all security leaders affirming the absence of any unauthorized bases or forces during the entire period since the aforementioned date to this day," indicating that "some are trying to exploit this incident politically, and there are bids in statements without knowing the facts. All these statements harm Iraq's reputation and its security leaders, who assert, even assure, that there are no unauthorized forces or bases currently on Iraqi soil, and there is a tremendous effort undertaken by our security detachments through inspection operations within all sectors of responsibility."