ALBAWABA - Shocking details were unveiled by American newspaper The Wall Street Journal, confirming that Israel established a secret military base deep in the Iraqi desert shortly before the war on Iran, which started on Feb. 28 and lasted for 40 days.
The report by The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources and U.S. officials, noted that the Israeli base was intended to support and facilitate the country's air campaign against Tehran, serving as an advanced logistics hub and staging point for search and rescue teams and special forces of the Israeli Air Force, in anticipation of any emergencies, such as the downing of Israeli aircraft.
According to the report, the base, which housed commando forces, was established with the knowledge of the U.S. shortly before the outbreak of war.
Israeli army Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi speaking to military officers at Nevatim airbase in southern Israel on April 15, 2024. AFP PHOTO / HANDOUT / ISRAELI ARMY
Where was Israel's secret base located in Iraq?
According to the new data, the military site is located in a remote desert area within the Himyar Valley, about 180 kilometers west of the Iraqi city of Najaf, near the border with Saudi Arabia.
Data further mentioned that Iraqi forces nearly discovered the secret site in early March after a local shepherd reported unusual military activity and heavy helicopter traffic in the area.
The Iraqi army dispatched troops to investigate, but Israel launched airstrikes to deter them and protect the site, resulting in the death of one Iraqi soldier and injuries to two others.
Satellite images revealed a temporary airstrip about one and a half kilometers long, along with fortifications and field excavations indicating the presence of military forces inside the base.
