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world1d ago
Israel built two military bases in Iraq before war on Iran: NYT
- Iraqi officials say Israel operated two covert bases in Iraq’s western desert before the Iran-focused war.
- The bases allegedly housed Israeli special forces and served as air-operation hubs, including search-and-rescue capabilities.
- Iraqi authorities denied formal authorization for any foreign presence at the sites, including to the desert base near Najaf and Karbala.
- U.S. officials reportedly said Washington was not involved in the operation, while Baghdad privately lodged a protest over suspected covert activity.
- The reports come amid rising tension among the US, Israel, and Iran, with Iraqi pressures over Iranian-backed groups in the country.
- Iraq’s deputy commander of joint operations acknowledged reports of movement in the Najaf desert, but said it remained for less than 48 hours.
- Iraq’s public stance emphasized sovereignty and denial of any authorized foreign bases in the region.
- The New York Times reported the existence of a base near Iraq’s border with Saudi Arabia, linked to U.S.-related air operations.
- The Times of London affiliate details and satellite imagery were used to identify possible locations of the bases.
- Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala regions were cited as areas near alleged activity, with authorities cautious about confirming details.
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