A secret Israeli military base established in Iraq with US knowledge was revealed after a local shepherd reported unusual activity, leading to a deadly clash with Iraqi forces.
Secret Operations and US Involvement
According to the Wall Street Journal, Israel constructed a secret base in Iraq with US knowledge prior to the start of the war with Iran. The facility housed Israeli special forces and search-and-rescue teams prepared to evacuate pilots shot down during operations over Iran.
Following the shoot-down of a US F-15 on April 3 over Iranian territory, Israel reportedly offered the US rescue assistance and supporting airstrikes. The base also contained specialized aviation units trained for commando operations in enemy territory.
Discovery and Lethal Encounter
In early March, a local shepherd noticed unusual military activity, including helicopter flights, prompting the deployment of Iraqi soldiers. Israel responded with airstrikes to force the troops to retreat, resulting in one Iraqi soldier dead and two wounded.
Additional Iraqi counter-terrorism forces were sent to the site, where they found evidence of military activity. The Iraqi government condemned the attack and filed a complaint with the UN, attributing the airstrikes to the United States, while the Israeli army refused to comment.
Political Fallout and Regional Context
The Iraqi parliament has summoned the ministers of defense and internal affairs to respond to the Wall Street Journal reports. While the government has adopted a policy of not commenting, spokesperson Sabah al-Numan stated that no official findings confirming the reports have been published.
The base was located in the vast, sparsely populated Western Iraqi desert, an area used by US special forces during the 1991 and 2003 Gulf Wars. Michael Knights of Horizon Engage noted that local residents are accustomed to various military activities in the region and have learned to avoid them.
