Itโs worth noting that Iraqi lawmakers swiftly pointed the finger at the U.S., making statements to Rudaw English and other local outlets at the time that attributed both the installation and the deadly strikes to American forces.
According to the Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, Israel set up a secret outpost in Iraqโs western desert in the work up to the conflict with Iran and the U.S. was aware of the move. Additionally, per the report, early in the conflict an Iraqi shepherd discovered the installation and Israel used airstrikes to force back investigating Iraqi military forces, killing one Iraqi soldier. The installation was set up to support operations against Iran, including positioning for combat search and rescue (CSAR) if an Israeli pilot was downed during operations