Jerusalem/Baghdad, May 10 (UNI) Israel has a covert military outpost deep inside Iraq's western desert to support its air war against Iran and carried out airstrikes against Iraqi troops, which came near it to expose the operation, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing US officials and sources familiar with the operation.
The report said the clandestine installation was constructed shortly before the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran on February 28. The base allegedly operated with Washington's knowledge and served as a logistics and operational hub for the Israeli Air Force.
Israeli special forces and search-and-rescue units were reportedly stationed at the outpost to assist downed pilots and conduct covert missions inside hostile territory. Sources said the facility was designed to support long-range Israeli air operations against Iran while maintaining a hidden military footprint inside Iraq.
According to the report, the secret base nearly came to light in early March after a local shepherd spotted unusual military activity, including helicopter movements and gunfire, in a remote desert region. Iraqi troops were dispatched to investigate the area.
However, Israeli forces allegedly launched airstrikes against the advancing Iraqi units before they could reach the site, successfully preventing the operation from being exposed. Iraqi authorities said one soldier was killed in the strikes.
At the time, Baghdad condemned the attack, calling it a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.
"This reckless operation was carried out without coordination or approval," Qais Al-Muhammadawi told Iraqi state media following the March incident.
The report added that Israel also used the base to support rescue operations during the conflict. After a U.S. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle was reportedly shot down near Isfahan, Israel offered assistance, though American forces ultimately rescued the crew independently. Israeli aircraft nevertheless conducted strikes to secure the area during the mission.
Israel's military declined to comment on the allegations.
Former Israeli Air Force commander Tomer Bar had earlier hinted at covert special operations during the Iran conflict, saying in March that Israeli air force units were conducting "extraordinary missions" capable of "sparking one's imagination."
Military analysts cited by the newspaper said Iraq's sparsely populated western desert made it an ideal location for a hidden military installation supporting regional operations.
The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, triggering retaliatory strikes by Tehran and Iran-backed groups across the Middle East. The ceasefire brokered through mediation in Islamabad took effect on April 8, negotiations failed to produce a permanent agreement.
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