Israel Allegedly Operated Secret Military Base in Iraq, Used Airstrikes to Conceal It: Report

Israel built a clandestine military base in the western Iraqi desert to serve as a logistical hub for its air force and special operations forces in preparation for potential conflict with Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported Saturday, citing U.S. officials familiar with the matter. The facility, which included search-and-rescue teams for downed pilots, operated with prior knowledge of the United States, the newspaper said.

In early March, Iraqi state media reported that a local shepherd had observed unusual military activity, including helicopter movements, prompting Iraqi security forces to deploy to the area. Israeli forces responded with airstrikes to prevent the unit from reaching the site, according to the Journal's sources, successfully concealing the base.

Iraq later filed a formal complaint with the United Nations, asserting that foreign military forces had conducted airstrikes on its territory, though it initially attributed the attack to the United States. The Wall Street Journal cited a person familiar with the matter saying the U.S. was not involved. Reuters has not independently verified the report, and Israel's prime minister's office has not responded to requests for comment.

The United Nations has not issued a public statement on the complaint, and no official confirmation or denial has emerged from Israeli or U.S. defense authorities. The matter is expected to be addressed in closed-door diplomatic channels in the coming days.