Report Claims Israel Secretly Built Military Outpost in Iraqi Desert

Israel reportedly established a secret military outpost in the Iraqi desert to support its air operations against Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing sources familiar with the matter, including US officials.

The report stated that the installation was created shortly before the outbreak of the recent US-Israel conflict involving Iran. According to the newspaper, the base housed Israeli special forces and served as a logistical center for the country’s air force operations.

It was also said to include search-and-rescue units meant to assist Israeli pilots in case aircraft were brought down during missions. The report claimed the United States was aware of the operation.

Al Jazeera noted that it could not independently verify the claims made in the report.

According to the WSJ, the secret base nearly became exposed in early March after Iraqi state media reported that a shepherd noticed unusual military activity in the desert area, including helicopter movements.

Iraqi security forces were reportedly sent to investigate the situation. However, the newspaper claimed Israeli forces carried out air strikes to keep Iraqi troops away from the area and stop them from uncovering the installation.

The report added that Iraq later filed a complaint with the United Nations over the incident, alleging that foreign forces conducted the strikes. According to the complaint, Iraqi authorities attributed the operation to the United States.