A report alleging that Israel secretly operated a covert military base inside Iraqi territory has triggered significant geopolitical controversy and heightened tensions in the Middle East. The development is particularly sensitive given the long-standing hostility between Iraq and Israel, two nations that have never formally recognized each other diplomatically. The alleged existence of an Israeli military facility deep inside Iraq has reportedly shocked Iraqi authorities and drawn international attention.
According to a report published by The Wall Street Journal, the alleged secret operation came to light after a local shepherd in western Iraq noticed unidentified helicopters flying unusually low across the desert region. Suspecting that the aircraft did not belong to Iraq, the shepherd reportedly followed their path and eventually reached a remote area that was allegedly being used as a covert Israeli military installation.
The report stated that the base had reportedly been established shortly before the escalation of tensions with Iran in order to support Israeli military operations. US officials cited in the report claimed that Washington was aware of the facility’s existence, while the Iraqi government allegedly remained unaware. The site reportedly functioned as a logistics hub for the Israeli Air Force, supplying fuel and operational support for missions targeting Iranian territory.
Israeli special forces were also reportedly stationed at the facility to conduct emergency rescue operations in the event that Israeli pilots were shot down or captured during operations near Iran. Located roughly 1,000 miles from the Iranian border, the base allegedly offered strategic advantages by enabling quicker deployment and operational coordination compared to launching missions directly from Tel Aviv.
Following information provided by the shepherd, the Iraqi Army reportedly dispatched a small investigation team to the area. As Iraqi troops approached the location, Israeli aircraft allegedly launched an airstrike targeting the unit, killing one Iraqi soldier and injuring two others. Iraq later deployed additional counterterrorism forces to the region, but the alleged Israeli personnel had reportedly vacated the site by then. Iraq has since lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations, accusing the United States of violating Iraqi sovereignty, while American officials denied involvement and maintained that the operation was carried out solely by Israel.