According to a Wall Street Journal report published Saturday, Israel established a hidden military facility in Iraq’s desert region to bolster its aerial operations against Iran, with sources including U.S. officials providing details to the publication.
The covert installation served as a base for Israeli special operations forces and functioned as a supply center for Israel’s air force operations, according to the newspaper. The facility was constructed with American awareness prior to the commencement of joint U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran, the report states. Search-and-rescue personnel were also stationed at the location to provide assistance to any Israeli aviators who might be shot down, the Journal reported.
Reuters was unable to confirm the Wall Street Journal’s account independently. Israeli Prime Minister’s office did not provide an immediate response when Reuters sought comment on the matter.
The hidden facility nearly came to light in early March when Iraqi state television reported that a local herder had observed suspicious military operations, including aircraft activity in the region.
When Iraqi military personnel were sent to examine the area, Israeli forces conducted aerial bombardments to maintain distance and avoid detection of their position, according to the newspaper’s sources.
The Journal referenced a formal complaint Iraq submitted to the United Nations in late March, alleging that foreign military forces and aerial attacks were responsible for the incident, with Iraq pointing to U.S. involvement. However, the WSJ reported that a source knowledgeable about the situation stated the United States did not participate in the strikes.
