A report by the Wall Street Journal, based on American sources, indicates that Israel created a secret military base in the western desert of Iraq prior to the onset of the war with Iran. This base, situated in Anbar province, hosted special forces and Israeli rescue units prepared to respond to the potential downing of warplanes inside Iran.
The establishment of this base occurred in February following the downing of an F-15 fighter jet near Isfahan. Despite Tel Aviv's offer of support, American forces independently conducted the rescue of the pilots while Israel executed simultaneous airstrikes to secure the area.
Details of the Base's Discovery
Interestingly, the base was not discovered by Iraqi security agencies but rather by a shepherd in the region who noticed unusual military activity, prompting Iraqi forces to initiate an urgent investigation. However, Israel swiftly responded with intensive strikes that resulted in the death of an Iraqi soldier.
At that time, Iraq questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident and blamed the United States. Qais al-Muhammadawi, the deputy commander of operations in the Iraqi army, stated, "This reckless operation was carried out without coordination or approval." Another Iraqi military official expressed concern about the incident, noting that "a force was present on the ground before the strike, supported from the air and operating beyond our units' capabilities."
Background & Context
The western desert of Iraq is considered an ideal environment for establishing secret bases due to its vast area and sparse population. This desert extends west of the Euphrates River in Anbar province and is connected to the deserts of Syria and Jordan, characterized as a barren area inhabited by Bedouins, covering approximately 23% of Iraq's territory.
This region includes towns such as Al-Qaim, Anah, Hit, and Rutba, and is one of the richest areas in Iraq in terms of natural resources, containing confirmed reserves of phosphate estimated at around two billion tons, in addition to free sulfur, silica sand, and natural gas.
Impact & Consequences
These developments occur against a backdrop of complex political and military dynamics, as Baghdad seeks to maintain a delicate balance between its two powerful allies: Washington and Tehran. Amid this fragile equilibrium, the United States continues to pressure Iraq to dismantle Iran-backed groups, which Washington classifies as terrorist organizations.
These groups target American interests within Iraq, ranging from its embassy in Baghdad to diplomatic and logistical facilities, and even oil sites managed by foreign companies. This pressure places the Iraqi government in a difficult position, as it must navigate external pressures while maintaining internal stability.
Regional Significance
The implications of these events highlight the increasing tensions in the region and their impact on regional security. The establishment of a secret Israeli military base in Iraq raises questions about the future of Iraq's sovereignty and its relations with neighboring countries.
In conclusion, the situation underscores the intricate web of alliances and conflicts in the Middle East, where the actions of one nation can reverberate across borders, affecting the geopolitical landscape significantly.