Did Israel Establish a Secret Base in the Iraqi Desert to Support Its Campaign Against Iran?

SadaNews - American sources and informed officials have revealed that Israel has established a secret military base in the Iraqi desert, which has been used as an advanced platform to support its air campaign against Iran, while an Iraqi security source denied to Al Jazeera the existence of any military presence at the indicated site.

The Wall Street Journal reported, citing informed sources, that the base was established prior to the outbreak of the war with the knowledge of the United States, and included special forces elements, forming an advanced logistical center for the Israeli Air Force, including search and rescue teams deployed in anticipation of potential pilot downing during air operations.

Conversely, an Iraqi security source denied the presence of any military presence at the indicated site, confirming that the area is desert, isolated, and devoid of any security or populated presence.

The source indicated that there were operations conducted during the war in the deserts of Najaf and Samawah by forces that did not coordinate with Iraqi authorities, noting the detection of jamming and warning devices in Wadi Shinan in western Iraq, with no military forces currently on the ground.

The source told Al Jazeera that Iraqi devices did not detect any Israeli force in the desert of western Iraq during the war, suggesting that the movements carried out were American and not Israeli.

Activity Almost Exposed

According to The Wall Street Journal, the base was nearly exposed in early March when a local shepherd reported unusual military activity, which included helicopter flights in the area, according to Iraqi official media.

Following this, the Iraqi army sent a reconnaissance force to the site, however, Israeli aircraft intervened and carried out airstrikes to deter them and prevent them from approaching, according to an informed source.

According to the Iraqi account, a military force in "Humvee" vehicles headed to the site at dawn following the shepherd's report, and came under heavy fire that resulted in the death of one soldier and the injury of two others. This was followed by the dispatch of two additional units from the Counter-Terrorism Service to comb the area, where evidence confirming the existence of organized military activity was found.

The Israeli army declined to comment on this information, but Israeli officials had hinted at carrying out secret missions during the war, as the former commander of the air force, Tomer Bar, in a message to his troops in early March, indicated that elite units conduct "special missions that may ignite the imagination," referring to the secretive and complex nature of these military activities.

Advanced Base

According to The Wall Street Journal, this advanced site allowed Israel to reduce the operational distance to the confrontation area with Iran, enhancing response speed, especially in emergencies, with the deployment of elite air force units trained to execute operations deep in enemy territory.

During the 5-week campaign, the Israeli Air Force conducted thousands of airstrikes against targets inside Iran, in one of its broadest external operations.

Military experts believe that establishing temporary advanced bases prior to operations is a common procedure, leveraging the geographical nature of the western Iraqi desert, which is characterized by its vastness and sparse population, making it a suitable environment for such movements.

American forces had previously utilized this area in their military operations during the Gulf War and the invasion of Iraq.

Source: American Press