A report from The Wall Street Journal claims that Israel secretly established a military base in Iraq’s Anbar desert before its conflict with Iran, intended to support air operations and potential rescue missions.

The base allegedly hosted special forces and search-and-rescue units, and was meant to assist if Israeli aircraft were downed inside Iran.

It was reportedly discovered after a local shepherd noticed unusual military activity and alerted Iraqi authorities, leading to investigations and tensions over unauthorized operations in the area.

Iraqi officials criticized the lack of coordination, while Israel acknowledged conducting “exceptional operations” during the conflict without giving details, Euro News has reported.

The incident highlights the region’s fragile security situation as Iraq tries to balance relations between the US and Iran.