During the ongoing war against Iran, Israeli forces reportedly established a makeshift base at an abandoned airstrip in the Najaf desert, Iraq, as confirmed by two security officials. This operation, which occurred early in the conflict ignited by joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026, involved clashes with Iraqi forces, resulting in the death of one Iraqi soldier and injuries to two others. The base, constructed on an airstrip built by former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, was used as a logistical hub for Israeli air operations against Iran and was reportedly set up with U.S. knowledge. Although the Israeli military did not comment on the report, indications suggest that the operation involved an Israeli technical team under American military protection. The site was strategically chosen to avoid detection and potential Iranian missile strikes, and it is believed that Israeli search-and-rescue teams were deployed to respond quickly in emergencies. Despite the absence of Israeli troops now, equipment, including radar systems, may have been left behind.