The Wall Street Journal has revealed details of a secret Israeli military site established deep inside Iraq’s desert to support Israeli aerial operations against Iran, with reports indicating that Israeli forces carried out air strikes against Iraqi troops who nearly uncovered the location at the start of the war.
According to officials cited by the newspaper, the base was established shortly before the outbreak of hostilities with the knowledge of the United States. The site reportedly hosted Israeli special forces units and functioned as a logistical hub for the Israeli Air Force.
Search and Rescue Teams Deployed Inside Iraq
The report stated that specialised search and rescue teams were stationed at the facility in preparation for the possibility of Israeli pilots being shot down during military operations against Iran.
However, no Israeli pilot extraction missions were ultimately required during the conflict.
Following the crash of an American McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle near Isfahan, Israel reportedly offered assistance in the rescue operation. According to the newspaper, American forces handled the recovery independently while Israeli air strikes were carried out to secure the operation.
Base Nearly Exposed by Local Shepherd
The newspaper said the Israeli site was almost exposed in early March after a local shepherd noticed unusual military activity in the remote desert region.
At the time, Iraqi media outlets reported that the shepherd observed helicopters flying in the area along with suspicious military movement, prompting the Iraqi army to dispatch forces to investigate.
According to one source cited in the report, Israeli forces responded by driving Iraqi troops away through air strikes.
The Iraqi government later condemned the attack, which resulted in the death of an Iraqi soldier.
Baghdad Filed Complaint to the United Nations
In a complaint later submitted by Baghdad to the United Nations, Iraqi authorities stated that the incident involved both air strikes and foreign forces operating on Iraqi territory.
The Iraqi government initially suggested that the United States may have been responsible for the operation.
However, informed sources quoted by The Wall Street Journal denied any direct American involvement in the strike itself.
