Iraqi forces in the desert during the fight against Daesh. (2016) (Photo: AP)
‘Israel’ built second secret base in Iraq ahead of Iran war: NYT
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
‘Israel’ maintained at least two covert military outposts in Iraq’s western desert for over a year to support operations against Iran, according to a report by The New York Times on Sunday.
The revelations expand on earlier reporting by The Wall Street Journal regarding one base built by ‘Israel’.
The WSJ previously disclosed that ‘Israel’ constructed a clandestine outpost in Iraq’s western desert shortly before the onset of major hostilities with Iran in late February 2026.
This facility reportedly served as a logistical hub for the ‘Israeli’ Air Force, housing special forces and search-and-rescue teams, and was established with US awareness.
‘Israeli’ forces allegedly conducted airstrikes on Iraqi troops who approached the site to prevent its discovery.
Iraqi officials informed The New York Times of a second, previously undisclosed base in the same remote region.
This additional outpost was reportedly used during ‘Israel’s’ June 2025 strikes on Iran.
Construction of the second site began in late 2024, according to a regional official, and it is no longer operational.
Both bases were maintained intermittently over an extended period.
The exposure of these facilities stems from the death of Awad al-Shammari, a 29-year-old Iraqi shepherd.
On March 3, 2026, al-Shammari encountered one of the bases near al-Nukhaib while on a routine trip.
He observed soldiers, helicopters, tents, and a landing strip, and promptly reported the activity to Iraq’s regional military command.
Witnesses described an attack on his vehicle by a helicopter shortly afterward, resulting in his death. His family has demanded an official investigation.
Iraqi authorities have denied prior knowledge of the ‘Israeli’ presence on their territory. ‘Israel’ has offered no public comment on the reports.
The western Iraqi desert, characterized by its vast and sparsely populated terrain, provided a strategically suitable location for such low-profile operations.
These outposts reportedly facilitated logistics, potential pilot rescues, and coordination for long-range air campaigns targeting Iranian assets.
