Report: Israel Deploys Forces in Azerbaijan to Strike Iran
Israel has reportedly secretly deployed military and intelligence personnel to several countries bordering Iran during the conflict. They have established a network of secret positions used for surveillance, drone operations, logistical support, and potential rescue missions.
Citing four sources familiar with the matter, CNN revealed that one of the most significant troop deployments has occurred in Azerbaijan, where Israeli forces are operating from various locations near Iran’s northern border. Some positions are located in southern Azerbaijan, relatively close to the Iranian city of Tabriz, which is a target of the war.
According to the report, Israeli special operations units, intelligence personnel, and Mossad members have been stationed at these locations, conducting reconnaissance activities and drone-related missions. This presence is reported to provide Israel with an advantageous position to monitor developments in northern Iran and support military operations during the war.
The report states that the Azerbaijani sites are part of a wider network of secret facilities managed by Israel across the region. Sources told CNN that additional positions have been established in Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Somaliland.
Initially intended as emergency support locations for potential rescue operations, these facilities have reportedly evolved into forward positions used for intelligence gathering and logistical support. The deployment is said to allow Israeli forces to operate from various directions around Iran, expanding their reach during the war.
One source told CNN that the Azerbaijani operation involves dozens of personnel, including members of Israeli special operations forces, elite air rescue units, and Mossad agents.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Azerbaijani embassy in Washington denied the allegations, telling CNN, “We firmly reject the baseless claims regarding the alleged use of Azerbaijani territory for operations against a third country.”
The report also noted that Somaliland provides Israel with an additional strategic position that could be used by aircraft operating on long-range missions towards Iran.
Israel reportedly became the first country to officially recognise Somaliland in December, while the United Arab Emirates maintains a significant commercial and military presence in the port city of Berbera.
In Iraq, the report stated that Israel has two secret facilities serving as logistics and search and rescue functions during the ongoing war. Iraqi military authorities have previously denied the existence of unauthorised foreign military bases within the country.