Fresh allegations about the existence of a secret Israeli military base inside Iraq have triggered a wave of political controversy and security concerns across the region, as reports claim Israeli forces operated from a remote desert airstrip during the recent conflict involving Iran.
According to multiple media reports and statements from Iraqi security officials, Israeli troops allegedly used an abandoned airbase in Iraq’s southwestern desert area as part of covert operations linked to the recent Iran conflict involving both the United States and Israel.
The revelations have stirred intense debate inside Iraq, where officials have so far remained publicly silent despite growing pressure for answers.
Two Iraqi security officials, speaking anonymously to AFP, claimed Israeli forces established a temporary military position at an old airstrip located in the remote desert region. The officials said the base was reportedly active during the height of military tensions involving Iran.
A separate report by The Wall Street Journal also referenced the alleged presence of Israeli activity in the area, further fueling speculation about secret regional military coordination.
Reports suggest Israeli soldiers were later spotted in the country’s southwest desert, where clashes allegedly broke out between Iraqi forces and unidentified armed personnel. According to the security sources, one Iraqi soldier was killed while two others were injured during the confrontation.
The incident has raised difficult questions for Iraqi authorities, especially regarding national sovereignty and the presence of foreign military operations inside the country without public disclosure.
One Iraqi security official said Israeli troops appeared to have withdrawn from the area but may have left behind military equipment or logistical supplies.
“They established a base at a deserted landing strip in the desert region,” the official reportedly said, adding that the operation was believed to have been coordinated alongside the United States.
However, major details surrounding the alleged mission remain unclear, including how long Israeli personnel stayed in Iraq and what objectives they were pursuing.
The claims arrive at a time of already heightened tensions across the Middle East, where fears of a wider regional conflict continue to grow following military escalation involving Iran, Israel and US-backed operations.
So far, the Israel Defense Forces have not publicly commented on the allegations. AFP reported that requests for official clarification from Israeli military authorities went unanswered.
Political analysts say the controversy could deepen divisions within Iraq, where armed groups and political factions remain highly sensitive to any form of foreign military presence.
As speculation spreads across regional media and social platforms, many observers believe the alleged discovery of a covert Israeli base may become one of the most politically explosive Middle East developments in recent months.
