Former Iraqi defence adviser says Israeli activity in Iraq carried out under US cover

Former Iraqi defence ministry adviser Maen al-Jubouri said Israeli military movements in Iraq’s desert areas were carried out under US cover, accusing Washington of having “deceived” officials in Baghdad.

Speaking in a media interview on Sunday, al-Jubouri said the discovery of a second alleged Israeli base in Iraq was “less shocking” than the discovery of the first and did not come as a major surprise.

“These bases were imposed by the circumstances the region went through. We know Iraq has been a theatre for many operational and military activities,” he said.

He added that Iraq’s military geography had given both Israel and the United States room to operate freely.

Asked whether he truly believed Israeli bases existed in Iraq, al-Jubouri said: “Those bases operated under American cover.”