A covert Israeli military installation operating in Iraq’s western desert reportedly came close to being exposed after a local shepherd noticed unusual helicopter activity in the remote region, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Citing US officials, the report claimed that Israel had established a secret base in Iraq shortly before the outbreak of its conflict with Iran to support long-range military operations.
The report stated that the installation served as a logistical hub for the Israeli air force and housed Israeli special forces personnel. Search-and-rescue teams were also reportedly stationed at the base to assist pilots in the event aircraft were downed during operations over Iranian territory. The location in western Iraq significantly reduced operational distance for Israeli missions targeting Iran, which lies roughly 1,000 miles away from Israel.
According to the report, the secret operation nearly became public in early March after a shepherd alerted Iraqi authorities to suspicious military movements and low-flying helicopters in the desert area. Iraqi state media reported that military units were dispatched to investigate the activity. Before the troops could reach the suspected location, airstrikes were reportedly carried out in the area, leaving one Iraqi soldier dead and two others injured.
Also Read: Hezbollah Reportedly Enhances Drone Operations Targeting Israeli Troops In Border Clashes
Iraqi officials later claimed that additional search teams sent to the region discovered evidence indicating the recent presence of foreign military forces. Lieutenant General Qais Al-Muhammadawi, deputy commander of Iraq’s Joint Operations Command, described the operation as unauthorised and said it appeared to involve a force operating with aerial support beyond the capabilities of Iraqi units. Iraq subsequently filed a formal complaint with the United Nations, initially attributing the strike to the United States.
However, a US official cited by The Wall Street Journal denied American involvement in the specific attack. The report said Washington was aware of the existence of the Israeli base but that Iraqi authorities had not been informed. Neither Israeli nor US officials publicly confirmed the details of the alleged operation.
The vast and sparsely populated western Iraqi desert has historically been used for covert military operations because of its remote terrain and strategic location. During previous military campaigns against former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein in 1991 and 2003, US-led coalition forces also operated extensively in the same region. The latest revelations are likely to raise concerns over Iraqi sovereignty and the expanding regional impact of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
Also Read: Bnei Menashe From Manipur Arrive In Israel Under Government-Funded Relocation Plan