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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

Israel reportedly operates covert base in Iraq during Iran campaign

From Jerusalem Post · (8h ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A covert Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) outpost operated in the Iraqi desert during the initial phase of the war with Iran, according to a report.
  • The base served as a logistical hub and emergency rescue point for Israeli Air Force pilots.
  • The operation's secrecy was nearly compromised in March when Iraqi troops investigated unusual helicopter activity, leading to Israeli airstrikes and one Iraqi soldier's death.

The Jerusalem Post reveals details of a clandestine Israeli military operation: a covert IDF outpost established deep within the Iraqi desert during the early stages of the war with Iran. This outpost, reportedly operational shortly before "Operation Roaring Lion," served as a critical logistical hub and emergency extraction point for Israeli Air Force pilots who might have been shot down over enemy territory.

A covert IDF outpost operated deep inside the Iraqi desert during the opening phase of the war with Iran

— Yonah Jeremy BobSenior military correspondent and intelligence analyst for The Jerusalem Post, reporting on the secret base.

This revelation follows earlier reports from The Wall Street Journal and Qatari media concerning Israeli operations in and over Iraq related to the Iran conflict. The outpost, situated in a remote desert area, remained undisclosed until recently. Details regarding its construction, resourcing, and whether Iraqi officials were aware of its existence remain unclear.

The secrecy of this operation was nearly shattered in March. A local shepherd reportedly observed unusual helicopter activity and alerted Iraqi forces. When Iraqi troops approached the area, Israeli airstrikes were reportedly employed to push them back, resulting in the death of one Iraqi soldier. This incident led to a public condemnation from Iraq and a complaint filed with the United Nations. A US source indicated that American forces were not involved.

the base was established shortly before Operation Roaring Lion and was used by Israeli Air Force special forces as a logistical hub and emergency rescue point for pilots shot down over enemy territory.

— Yonah Jeremy BobDescribing the purpose and timing of the covert outpost's establishment.

From an Israeli perspective, such covert operations underscore the lengths to which the IDF will go to protect its personnel and maintain strategic advantages during conflict. The incident in March, though nearly exposing the operation, highlights the risks inherent in operating in contested territory. While international reporting may focus on the diplomatic fallout, for Israel, this is about operational necessity and the protection of its forces in a complex and dangerous regional theater.

One Iraqi soldier was killed in the incident.

— The Jerusalem PostReporting the casualty resulting from the confrontation when Iraqi forces approached the covert base.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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