A 29-year-old shepherd, later killed, discovered one of two covert military bases Israel built in the Iraqi desert to support its strikes on Iran, according to a new report. The bases were operated by Israel during the 12-day war in June 2025 and possibly for future conflicts.
Discovery of the First Base
The first base, located near al-Nukhaib in Iraq's western desert, was found by shepherd Awad al-Shammari while on a grocery trip. He alerted Iraq's regional military command after spotting soldiers, helicopters, and tents around a landing strip. Al-Shammari was later killed by Israeli forces, his family claims. The base is now defunct but was used for air support, refueling, and medical treatment during the war, shortening flight distances to Iran.
Second Base Confirmed
Senior Iraqi officials have confirmed a second base, whose location remains undisclosed but is also in the Iraqi desert. Lawmaker Hassan Fadaam stated, "The one in al-Nukhaib is just the only one that was found out." Regional security officials noted that Israeli forces had identified remote sites for future operations.
Bedouin communities reported unusual military activity weeks before the discovery, prompting surveillance by Iraqi forces. On March 4, a reconnaissance mission came under fire, killing one soldier, wounding two, and destroying two vehicles. Iraq's Joint Operations Command raised the issue with the UN Security Council, blaming foreign forces. General Ali al-Hamdani said the US confirmed the force was not American, leading Iraq to conclude it was Israeli.
US Involvement and Iraqi Sovereignty
Officials told The New York Times that the US may have concealed the Israeli operation or informed top Iraqi commanders confidentially. Washington reportedly forced Iraq to shut down its radar to protect US aircraft, making Iraq reliant on American forces for hostile activity alerts. Lawmaker Waad al-Kadu said, "It shows a blatant disregard for Iraqi sovereignty."
At least one base was likely known to the US since June 2025, meaning Washington may have withheld information that Israel was operating on Iraqi territory. Iraq does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, and Israel is deeply unpopular among Iraqis.
Shepherd's Fate
Al-Shammari's cousin Amir said the family searched for two days after losing contact. "We were told that a burned-up pickup truck the same as Awad's was out there, but no one dared to go there. When we got there, we found the car and body burned." The family demands a government investigation.
Iraq's government has not acknowledged the bases. A spokesperson insisted Iraq has "no information regarding the locations of any Israeli military bases" but acknowledged a short-term unauthorized presence. The Independent has contacted the Israeli military and US Central Command for comment.
