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TL;DR: Israel reportedly ran covert desert outposts in western Iraq to support operations against Iran, including during the June 2025 conflict, using the sites for refueling, logistics, and shorter flight routes. The presence surfaced after a local shepherd who discovered unusual military activity was killed in a helicopter attack, alongside a separate clash that left Iraqi soldiers dead and wounded. Iraqi officials had suspected foreign forces but appear to have had limited control or awareness, raising sovereignty concerns and questions about possible U.S. knowledge. The revelations risk political fallout in Iraq, complicate regional dynamics, and fuel tensions involving Iran-aligned groups.
Covert Israeli Sites Reported in Western Iraq
A New York Times report says Israel operated at least two covert outposts in Iraq’s western desert for more than a year, using one site to support operations against Iran. Iraqi officials cited by the NYT confirmed a second base in addition to one previously reported by The Wall Street Journal.
According to regional security officials, Israel began preparing the main makeshift site in late 2024, selecting remote desert terrain for potential use in a future conflict. The outpost was later used during the 12-day war with Iran in June 2025. Officials said the base supported air operations, refueling, and medical treatment, while reducing flight distance for Israeli aircraft traveling toward Iran.
Shepherd’s Discovery and Fatal March 3 Incident
The report centers on Awad al-Shammari, a 29-year-old shepherd from the al-Nukhaib area, who disappeared on March 3 after leaving to buy groceries. His family and Iraqi military officials told the Times that he had contacted local command after seeing soldiers, helicopters, tents, and a landing strip in the desert.
Three witnesses from a nearby Bedouin encampment said a helicopter later fired repeatedly on al-Shammari’s pickup truck as it returned through the area. His family said they found his burned vehicle and body two days later. Israel’s military declined repeated requests for comment on both the alleged camps and al-Shammari’s killing.
Iraqi Military Response and Parliamentary Briefing
Iraqi commanders said Bedouin communities had reported unusual military activity in the desert for weeks before al-Shammari’s death. Maj. Gen. Ali al-Hamdani said the army had suspected an Israeli presence for more than a month and monitored the site from a distance.
A day after al-Shammari’s report, Iraqi forces sent a reconnaissance mission to the area. Iraq’s Joint Operations Command later said “foreign” forces attacked the unit, killing one soldier, wounding two others, and striking two vehicles, prompting a withdrawal.
On March 8, Iraq’s parliament ordered a confidential military briefing. Lawmaker Hassan Fadaam later said the al-Nukhaib site was not the only outpost. A second Iraqi official also confirmed another base in a western desert region, though no location was disclosed.
Questions Over U.S. Awareness and Iraqi Sovereignty
The report says at least one of the Israeli sites was likely known to Washington by June 2025, and possibly earlier. Former U.S. commanders, Pentagon officials, and diplomats cited by the Times said it would be difficult to imagine U.S. Central Command was unaware, given close operational ties with Israel. CENTCOM declined to comment and referred questions to the Israel Defense Forces.
Regional officials also said U.S. security arrangements shaped Israel’s calculations, including periods when Iraq’s radars were shut down to protect U.S. aircraft. Under Iraqi protocol, senior Iraqi officials said Washington is expected to inform Baghdad about activity on Iraqi soil.
Lt. Gen. Saad Maan, a spokesman for Iraq’s security forces, told the Times that Iraq has “no information” about Israeli military base locations. Iraqi lawmakers and analysts said the disclosures raise questions about whether Iraqi authorities were unaware of the presence or failed to act, either of which would underscore Baghdad’s limited control over parts of its territory.
Political and Strategic Fallout
Iraq has no diplomatic relations with Israel, and public acknowledgement of Israeli outposts would carry significant domestic and regional consequences. Analysts told the Times the revelations could complicate U.S. efforts to limit Iranian influence in Iraq, while giving Iran-aligned militias another argument against disarmament.
The Times reported that the al-Nukhaib site is no longer operating. The status of the second reported outpost remains unknown. Al-Shammari’s family has called for a formal investigation into his death and the circumstances surrounding the desert operation.
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