Israel build two covert bases in Iraq for Iran war

Israel has been secretary operating two military bases in Iraq for more than a year, The New York Times (NYT) reported, citing sources.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that prior to the armed conflict with Iran, Israel deployed a covert military base to Iraq that served a s logistics hub for its air force. Special operations forces and search and rescue teams were also stationed there in case Israeli aircraft were shot down during combat operations.

According to The New York Times, Israel began preparations to build one of the bases in late 2024. Washington may have concealed from Baghdad the presence of troops from a third country on its territory, the newspaper noted, adding that revealing this information could jeopardize US influence in the country.

In addition, according to the publication, Iraqi troops conducted remote surveillance of the base and later requested additional information from their American counterparts, but received no response.