CNN: Israel Secretly Built Military Bases in Iraq, 3 Other Countries

ANBAR, Iraq — U.S. television network CNN reported that Israel established secret military bases in Iraq, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates and Somalia to support operations against Iran. According to the report, bases in Azerbaijan conducted operations from areas near Tabriz, approximately 60 miles from Iran's northern border. Israeli forces used the Azerbaijan base to target Commander Rahman Mughaddam of Iran's Revolutionary Guard intelligence unit in early March. CNN also reported that Israel deployed its Iron Dome air defense system to the UAE. The report said Israel maintained two secret bases in Iraq. Iraq's military said in early March that no unauthorized bases or forces had been found in the country. Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry and the UAE's Foreign Ministry both denied the allegations. The report noted that Israel and Azerbaijan have maintained long-standing military and intelligence cooperation.