Report: Israel Established Covert Base in Iraq for Iran Air Operations
A recent report from The Wall Street Journal indicates Israel established a secret military base in the Iraqi desert to support air operations against Iran. This covert facility, known to the U.S., hosted special forces and logistics, leading to Israeli airstrikes on Iraqi troops who nearly discovered it.
Key Highlights
- Israel reportedly built a secret military base in Iraq's western desert.
- Base supported Israeli air operations against Iran and housed special forces.
- The United States was reportedly aware of the covert installation.
- Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Iraqi troops who neared the base.
- Incident led to one Iraqi soldier's death and a UN complaint by Iraq.
- The report originates from The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials.
A significant report by The Wall Street Journal, widely corroborated by numerous international news outlets including The Times of Israel, Anadolu Ajansı, The Jerusalem Post, and UNITED NEWS OF INDIA, claims that Israel established a secret military base in the remote western desert of Iraq. This clandestine facility was reportedly constructed shortly before the United States and Israel initiated coordinated strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026. The primary purpose of this covert outpost was to serve as a critical logistical hub for the Israeli Air Force's operations against Iran. It also allegedly housed Israeli special forces and search-and-rescue teams, prepared to assist Israeli pilots who might be downed during missions over Iranian territory. While no Israeli pilots reportedly required extraction, the base's strategic positioning in Iraq, approximately 1,600 kilometers from Israel, was crucial for sustaining the extensive air campaign.
The existence of this secret base nearly came to light in early March 2026 when a local shepherd observed unusual military activity, including helicopter movements, in the area and alerted Iraqi authorities. Subsequently, Iraqi troops were dispatched to investigate the suspicious activity. According to the report, Israeli forces responded by launching airstrikes to deter the advancing Iraqi units and prevent the discovery of the installation. This engagement tragically resulted in the death of one Iraqi soldier and wounded two others. Iraq's government vehemently condemned the incident, with Lieutenant General Qais Al-Muhammadawi, deputy commander of Iraq's Joint Operations Command, publicly stating that it was a "reckless operation carried out without coordination or approval." Iraq later filed a formal complaint with the United Nations, initially attributing the airstrikes to the United States, although sources cited in the WSJ report clarified that the U.S. was not involved in those specific strikes.
Notably, the United States was reportedly aware of the establishment of this Israeli outpost, indicating a degree of tacit approval or at least knowledge of the operation. The Wall Street Journal article cited anonymous U.S. officials and other sources familiar with the matter, lending credibility to the sensitive nature of the information. Experts consulted by the WSJ noted that the vast and sparsely populated western Iraqi desert provided an ideal location for such a temporary, clandestine military outpost. The Israeli military, the IDF, has officially declined to comment on the report, which is a common practice for sensitive security matters. The revelation underscores the complex and often covert nature of military operations in the volatile Middle East, particularly concerning the long-standing tensions between Israel and Iran. This development highlights potential breaches of Iraqi sovereignty and the broader geopolitical implications for regional stability, drawing attention to the intricate web of alliances and clandestine activities in the ongoing conflict. The news has been widely covered, emphasizing its importance to an Indian audience given India's strategic interests and diplomatic ties in the Middle East. The original report by The Wall Street Journal was published on Saturday, May 9, 2026, leading to widespread reporting on May 9th and 10th, 2026, across various international news platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary claim of the report regarding Israel and Iraq?
The report claims that Israel established a secret military base in the Iraqi desert to support its air operations targeting Iran.
Which major news outlet originally published this report?
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) was the original source of this report, citing U.S. officials and other sources familiar with the matter.
Was the U.S. government aware of Israel's secret base in Iraq?
Yes, according to the report, the covert facility was built with the prior knowledge of the United States.
What happened when Iraqi troops almost discovered the base?
When Iraqi troops were dispatched to investigate unusual activity, Israeli forces reportedly launched airstrikes to prevent them from reaching the site, resulting in the death of one Iraqi soldier.
How did Iraq react to the alleged Israeli airstrikes on its territory?
Iraq condemned the incident as a "reckless operation" carried out without coordination and filed a complaint with the United Nations, initially blaming the U.S.