Israel Accused of Building Secret Military Outposts in Iraqi Desert

Baghdad. Israel has been accused of building two secret military outposts in the western desert of Iraq. The New York Times claimed in a report released on Sunday that these structures were built in preparation for a US-Israel-Iran war. 

According to the report, Iraqi officials have identified two secret bases operated by Israel in the western desert. The claim has been made citing an Iraqi official and a member of parliament. 

The American newspaper The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that one base was established before the war began and that the US was aware of it. The structure was reportedly used by Israeli special forces and served as a logistics center for air operations. According to the report, the base also had capabilities for search and rescue of downed pilots. 

It has also been claimed that the Israeli army attacked when Iraqi units approached the vicinity of the location in early March. Independent experts analyzing satellite imagery say the potential location is near the Iraq-Saudi Arabia border. 

However, Iraqi officials have clarified that no foreign military presence is permitted on their land. Lieutenant General Qais al-Muhamadawi, deputy commander of Iraqi Joint Operations, stated that the presence of any foreign forces in any location is unacceptable. 

Meanwhile, former Israeli Air Force Chief Major General Tomer Bar said that Israeli special forces conducted extraordinary operations during the war, although he did not clarify where those operations were carried out.