Israel secretly operated at least two intermittent military outposts deep in the Iraqi desert for well over a year, not just one as previously reported, to support its operations against Iran, according to a new report by The New York Times.
The revelation expands on an earlier exclusive published by The Wall Street Journal on May 9, 2026, which first disclosed the existence of a single clandestine Israeli base in Iraq’s western desert. Iraqi officials later confirmed to the NYT the presence of a second undisclosed base in the same remote region.
Key Details from the Reports:
- The bases housed Israeli special forces, search-and-rescue teams, helicopters, tents, and a landing strip.
- They functioned as logistical hubs and forward operating posts for the Israeli Air Force, significantly shortening flight distances to Iranian targets (roughly 1,000 miles from Israel).
- The outposts were established with U.S. knowledge but without the approval or awareness of the Iraqi government.
- One base was built shortly before the outbreak of the Israel-Iran war in late February 2026 and was used intermittently for more than a year.
The Shepherd Who Exposed the Secret
The existence of the bases came to light after an Iraqi shepherd, Mr. al-Shammari, accidentally discovered unusual military activity (including helicopters and gunfire) in early March 2026. His family believes he was killed for reporting what he saw. Iraqi forces launched an investigation following his discovery.
Strategic Importance
The secret bases allowed Israel to maintain rapid response capabilities, including potential pilot rescue missions, during its extended air campaign against Iranian targets. Israel has not officially commented on the reports, citing security sensitivities.
The disclosures have sparked outrage in Iraq, with officials accusing the United States of shielding the operation.
Both the Wall Street Journal and New York Times reports rely on U.S. officials and regional sources familiar with the operations. The full extent of Israeli activity in Iraq remains under heavy scrutiny.
