Israel Built Secret Base in Iraq as Forward Operations Hub for Iran War, WSJ Reports

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WASHINGTON — Just before launching its extensive air campaign against Iran, Israel secretly constructed a clandestine military outpost deep in the Iraqi desert to support strikes on Iranian targets — a forward operating base that remained hidden until a shepherd nearly stumbled upon it in early March .

The secret installation, built with the knowledge of the United States, housed Israeli special forces and served as a logistical hub for the Israeli Air Force, according to a Wall Street Journal investigation published on Saturday, May 9, 2026, citing U.S. officials and other sources familiar with the matter .

🏜️ The ‘Ghost Base’ in the Western Desert

The base was constructed in the vast, sparsely populated western desert region of Iraq — an area that U.S. Special Forces had previously used for operations against Saddam Hussein in 1991 and 2003 . Its remote location made it an ideal site for covert staging, allowing Israeli forces to position themselves closer to the Iranian battlefield.

Key features of the base included:

According to security experts cited by the Journal, establishing such temporary outposts is a standard pre‑operational practice. “It’s normal that before operations you reconnoitre and set up these kinds of locations,” Michael Knights, head of research for a strategic advisory firm, told the WSJ .

🛡️ The Near-Discovery: A Shepherd, Helicopters, and an Airstrike

The base’s existence was nearly exposed in early March 2026, when a local shepherd reported unusual military activity in the area, including helicopter movements . Iraqi state media picked up the report, prompting the Iraqi military to dispatch troops to investigate.

As Iraqi forces approached the site, Israeli forces responded with airstrikes to keep them at bay and prevent the discovery of the base . The strike resulted in the death of at least one Iraqi soldier.

“This reckless operation was carried out without coordination or approval.”
— Lt. Gen. Qais Al-Muhammadawi, Deputy Commander of Iraq’s Joint Operations Command

Following the clash, Iraq filed a complaint with the United Nations, attributing the airstrike to the United States . However, WSJ sources said Washington was not involved in the attack, though the U.S. was aware of the base’s existence .

✈️ A Critical Asset During “Operation Epic Fury”

The desert outpost became a crucial asset during the intense air campaign against Iran. The Israel Air Force carried out thousands of strikes on Iranian targets over a five-week period, and the base allowed for faster emergency response times .

When a U.S. F-15 fighter jet was shot down near Isfahan in early April — one of the few American aircraft lost during the campaign — Israeli search-and-rescue teams deployed from this secret base were prepared to assist . While U.S. forces ultimately recovered the airmen themselves, Israel reportedly carried out additional airstrikes to help secure the rescue operation .

Israeli officials have alluded to such covert operations during the war. In early March, the head of the Israeli Air Force, Tomer Bar, issued a letter to his servicemen, writing: “These days, fighters from special units of the air force are conducting special missions which could ignite the imagination” .

🗣️ Official Responses

At the time of the WSJ report’s publication, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office had not issued a formal response to the allegations .

The Iraqi government, however, has previously condemned the airstrike that killed one of its soldiers as a violation of its sovereignty, and its complaint to the UN underscores the diplomatic sensitivity of foreign military operations on Iraqi soil .

🌍 Broader Implications: A New Phase of Covert Warfare

The revelation of Israel’s secret Iraqi base highlights a significant expansion of Israel’s operational reach during the war.

By positioning special forces and search-and-rescue teams inside a neighboring Arab state, Israel was able to reduce response times and increase its operational tempo against Iranian targets . The base also served as a powerful symbol of the covert, cross-border logistics required to sustain a modern air campaign.

Security experts note that the western Iraqi desert remains a strategically valuable area for such temporary outposts due to its sparse population and proximity to conflict zones . While the war with Iran has entered a fragile ceasefire period, the disclosure of this base serves as a reminder of the extensive pre-positioning that occurred before the conflict erupted.

📋 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers

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Updated: May 10, 2026