The Joint Operations Command issued a clarification statement regarding circulating reports about the presence of unauthorized bases and forces in the desert areas of Karbala east of Nukhayb and Najaf.

The Security Media Cell stated that the command is closely monitoring the circulating statements and news in this regard, confirming that the matter relates to an incident that occurred on the fifth of last March, when a security force from the Karbala and Najaf operations command moved and clashed with unidentified unauthorized squadrons supported by aircraft, resulting in the martyrdom of one fighter, the injury of two others, and the damage of a vehicle.

The statement added that security units continued to pressure and maintain presence in that area, forcing those squadrons to withdraw benefiting from air cover, noting that security forces, at the direction of the Joint Operations Command, continue to inspect all sectors regularly, especially desert areas up to the international borders.

It continued that authenticated reports from security leaders confirm that Iraqi territory is free of any unauthorized bases or forces from that date until today, pointing out that some parties are attempting to politically exploit the incident through statements that harm Iraq's reputation and its security leadership, which affirms that no illegal force currently exists.

The Joint Operations Command emphasized taking legal measures against anyone who publishes misleading information or malicious rumors that affect Iraq's sovereignty and the prestige of its security institutions.