Israel constructed military bases in Iraq prior to Iran conflict

US Newspaper Reports Israeli Forces Built Covert Military Outposts in Iraq’s Western Desert

According to a US newspaper report, Israeli forces have built two covert military outposts in western Iraq’s desert region. The New York Times reported on Sunday that Iraqi officials had identified the locations, citing an Iraqi official and a lawmaker.

The reports state that Israeli forces began preparing one of the sites since late 2024, according to a regional official. Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that one base was established shortly before the war against Iran began and operated with US knowledge. The installation allegedly housed Israeli special forces and served as a logistical hub for their air operations.

The reports also stated that the site included search-and-rescue capabilities for downed pilots. According to open-source analysts, the suspected location was identified using satellite imagery near Iraq’s border with Saudi Arabia.

Iraqi officials have publicly denied authorizing any foreign military presence in the area. Lieutenant-General Qais al-Muhammadawi, Iraq’s deputy commander of joint operations, stated that authorities had received reports of “individuals or movement” in the Najaf desert near Karbala.

US officials quoted by The Wall Street Journal said Washington was not involved in the operation. Baghdad privately lodged a protest with Washington over suspected covert military activity, calling it a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

The reports come as Iraq faces growing pressure amid escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran. Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran would raise the issue with Iraqi authorities, accusing Israel of seeking to destabilize the region.

Source: Al Jazeera