Baghdad-INA
The Security Media Cell denied on Sunday the existence of a new airdrop in Karbala desert, clarifying that the incident occurred last March and that the necessary measures have been taken.
The head of the Security Media Cell, Saad Maan, said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), "Some news agencies, satellite channels, and social media platforms have addressed the issue of an airdrop in Karbala desert, east of Nukhaib and Najaf."
Maan explained that "the matter pertains to an incident on March 5, 2026, in which a force of Iraqi security and military personnel engaged with unidentified and unauthorized groups at that time, resulting in the martyrdom of one member of the security forces and injuries of two others."
He indicated that "our security forces continued to exert pressure and maintain a presence in these and other areas. The forces that engaged at that time were from Karbala and Najaf Operations Commands." He explained that "our units, through the Joint Operations Command and under its direction and supervision, continued to search all operational sectors in Iraq, including desert areas, in this region."
"During the search operations in April and May, no presence of this force or any other unauthorized forces, equipment, or anything else was found." He emphasized that "our security forces are continuing their duties, and there is currently no similar presence in these or other areas of Iraq." Maan said.
He noted that "this incident dates back to March 5, 2026, and the necessary measures were taken at that time."