Mohammad Ali

The investigation comes amid heightened regional tensions stemming from the US and Iran conflict, in which Iraq has avoided drawn directly into hostilities.

According to information obtained by TNA, about 53 people have been arrested so far as part of the campaign.

Iraq has arrested at least 53 politicians and officials in a widening anti-corruption crackdown expected to target more than 100 suspects.

 The source described this as an unfamiliar scene since the 2003 US invasion and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime.

Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces launched a large-scale desert security operation in Najaf and Karbala following reports of a secret Israeli base.

Iraqi officials told The New Arab the US helped cover up a secret Israeli base in Najaf after Iraqi troops came under attack near the site in March.

The move comes after Iraq's ruling coalition, the "Coordination Framework", ended one of the country's most complex political crises in nearly five months.

Iraqi factions form joint operations room amid fears of renewed war involving Iran and US forces following Qaani visit to Baghdad

At the end of February 2025, Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet al-Abbasi acknowledged the presence of 130 Syrian military personnel from the Assad regime.

On Monday evening, 23 March, the attack targeted the "Kharab al-Jir" base in Syria's Hasakah, which Damascus says US forces withdrew from in February 2026.