Israel Established Secret Military Base in Iraq to Support Operations Against Iran

The Wall Street Journal reports that Israel established a secret military base in the Iraqi desert to support aerial operations against Iran. The facility was reportedly constructed shortly before the start of a thirty-nine-day conflict and was established with the knowledge of the United States.

According to the report, the base served as a strategic logistical hub for the Israeli Air Force and housed both special forces and search-and-rescue teams. The facility was designed to provide essential support for strikes conducted against Iranian targets. To ensure the base remained hidden, Israel reportedly carried out airstrikes against Iraqi forces to prevent them from discovering the location of the site.

The existence of the secret base allegedly became public after a shepherd informed Iraqi officials of suspicious military activity and helicopter movements in early March. This report by the shepherd led to subsequent clashes between Iraqi forces and the Israeli presence in the region.

Furthermore, the report mentions that Israel offered its assistance following the crash of a U.S. F-15 fighter jet near Isfahan. Despite the offer, the United States carried out the rescue of the crew independently. The base's role as a search-and-rescue station was highlighted in the context of these regional tensions.