Secret Israeli Military Outpost Discovered in Iraq’s Najaf Desert: Report
BAGHDAD — May 10, 2026: In a revelation that highlights the sprawling nature of the current Middle East conflict, security sources have confirmed that Israeli forces established a clandestine military base within Iraqi territory during the early stages of the war against Iran.
According to reports from AFP and the Wall Street Journal, the makeshift installation was located at a forgotten airstrip dating back to the Saddam Hussein era, deep within the vast and sparsely populated Najaf desert in southwestern Iraq.
Clashes and Covert Operations
The presence of foreign troops was first suspected shortly after the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, following reports from a local shepherd regarding unusual military movements.
Iraqi security officials state that when a domestic reconnaissance unit was sent to investigate the area on March 5, they came under heavy aerial fire. The engagement resulted in the death of one Iraqi soldier and injuries to two others.
"The site was meticulously chosen, hidden within a valley to provide a shield against potential Iranian missile counter-attacks," a security official told AFP. While the personnel have since vacated the area, equipment—including advanced radar systems used for electronic jamming—was reportedly left behind.
Strategic Coordination
Sources indicate that the base served as a critical logistical hub for the Israeli Air Force and a launchpad for special forces. Key details of the operation include:
Search and Rescue: The outpost reportedly housed specialized teams ready to respond to emergency rescue missions for pilots or commandos operating over Iran.
US Cooperation: The facility was established with the knowledge and coordination of the United States. Witnesses reported seeing CH-57 Chinook helicopters—frequently used by Western forces—at the site.
Technical Teams: Investigations suggest the operation involved Israeli technical experts operating under the umbrella of American military protection.
Political Fallout in Iraq
The discovery has put the Iraqi government in a delicate position. While Iraq has been a secondary battlefield for strikes between the U.S., Israel, and Iran-backed groups, the physical presence of Israeli ground troops on Iraqi soil is a major sovereignty concern.
Qais Al-Mohamadawi, Iraq’s deputy commander of joint operations, previously protested the unauthorized air raid in the region to the U.S.-led coalition. Iraqi officials emphasized that no foreign military presence had been authorized in the Najaf desert, an area notoriously difficult to secure due to its immense size and lack of inhabitants.
The Israeli military has not officially commented on the reports. As the war continues to reshape regional alliances, the existence of such a base underscores the deep level of tactical cooperation between Washington and Tel Aviv in the ongoing campaign against Tehran.
