Report: shepherd uncovers alleged secret Israeli base in Iraqi desert
Yahoo News New Zealand • • nation
Key Points:
- Israel established a secret military base in Iraq's Anbar desert in February to provide air cover for operations against Iran, hosting special forces and search-and-rescue units to respond to potential downed warplanes.
- The base was discovered by a local shepherd who noticed unusual military activity, prompting an Iraqi investigation; Israel responded with strikes that resulted in the death of one Iraqi soldier.
- Iraq condemned the Israeli strikes, blaming the US for the uncoordinated operation, while some Iraqi officials expressed concern over the presence of foreign forces operating beyond Iraqi military capabilities.
- The western Iraqi desert was chosen for its vast, sparsely populated terrain, ideal for covert military activities, and is rich in natural resources including phosphates, sulphur, silica sand, and natural gas.
- These events occur amid Iraq's efforts to balance relations between the US and Iran, with Washington urging Baghdad to disarm Iran-backed groups targeting American interests within Iraq.