Covert Israeli Bases Discovered in Iraq’s Desert: Report

Baghdad: Israel allegedly established two covert military outposts in Iraq’s western desert ahead of the recent U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, according to reports by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

The reports, published over the weekend, cited Iraqi, regional and U.S. officials as saying the secret installations were set up to support Israeli military operations linked to the conflict with Iran. One of the bases was reportedly built shortly before the war began and operated with Washington’s knowledge, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The outpost allegedly housed Israeli special forces and served as a logistics and support hub for air operations, including search-and-rescue capabilities for pilots. Satellite imagery reviewed by open-source analysts reportedly placed one of the suspected sites near Iraq’s border with Saudi Arabia.

The New York Times reported that Israeli forces had been preparing one of the makeshift bases since late 2024. It also cited Iraqi officials who claimed the covert facilities were identified in Iraq’s western desert.

According to reports, Israeli forces launched attacks against Iraqi units in early March after troops reportedly came close to discovering one of the installations.

Iraqi authorities have publicly denied authorising any foreign military presence in the area. Qais al-Muhammadawi, Iraq’s deputy commander of joint operations, said there was “no agreement or consent” for any foreign force to be present in the desert region.

Despite the denial, reports suggest Baghdad privately raised concerns with Washington in late March over suspected covert military activity, describing it as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Iran has also voiced concern over the allegations, accusing Israel of attempting to further destabilise the region.

The reports come amid rising tensions across the Middle East as Washington, Israel and Iran continue to trade military and diplomatic pressure.