Israel established a secret military base in the Iraqi desert shortly before the strikes on Iran. According to American officials, the facility was used as a hidden logistical center for Air Force and special unit operations.
According to the Wall Street Journal, citing American officials, Israel established a secret military base in the Iraqi desert in February to support its air operation against Iran.
The publication notes that Israel built this base shortly before the start of the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, so that it could serve as a logistical center for the Israeli Air Force.
It also housed special forces units and search-and-rescue teams ready to act in the event of Israeli pilots being shot down, the publication states.
According to the WSJ, to protect the outpost, Israeli forces even carried out airstrikes against Iraqi forces that nearly discovered it in early March.
As a result of the strikes, one Iraqi soldier was killed, as stated in Baghdad, after Iraqi media reported that a local shepherd witnessed "unusual military activity," including helicopters and gunfire in a remote area.
As WSJ writes, the Israeli strikes helped divert Iraqi forces from further investigation. The IDF declined to comment on this information.
Iraq, which initially blamed the U.S. for the March attack, then stated: "This reckless operation was conducted without coordination and approval."
WSJ sources reported that the U.S. did not participate in this operation.
"It seems that before the ground strike, some force was operating that received support from the air and acted using means that exceeded the capabilities of our units," a senior Iraqi armed forces representative stated at the time.
In this context, a statement made in March by then Israeli Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar is mentioned, who noted that during the conflict with Iran, special units conducted "extraordinary" operations.
"Air Force special unit personnel are currently performing extraordinary tasks that can ignite the imagination," Bar said, without going into details.
According to an expert interviewed by WSJ, the western desert of Iraq, where the base was reportedly located, is an ideal place for a secret military outpost, given its low population density and vast size.
"It is normal to conduct reconnaissance and establish such facilities before operations," Michael Knights, head of the intelligence firm Horizon Engage, told WSJ.
Iraq, located in a strategically important position between Jordan and Iran, has been drawn into the war with Iran due to strikes on its territory from both sides, as it has long balanced its relations with Washington and Tehran.
The U.S. has long demanded that Baghdad disarm powerful Iran-backed groups that the U.S. recognizes as terrorist organizations, which have significant influence in Iraq. During the war, these groups have struck American facilities in Iraq, including the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, its diplomatic and logistical complex at the capital's airport, as well as oil fields under the control of foreign companies.
In response, U.S. forces have repeatedly struck their positions and bases, resulting in the deaths of dozens of militants.
The WSJ publication shows how deeply Iraq has become embroiled in the confrontation between Israel, Iran, and the U.S. Despite official statements of neutrality, the country's territory is increasingly becoming a theater for covert operations, airstrikes, and intelligence struggles.
