Israel Operated Covert Military Bases in Iraq to Support Iran Strikes
Reports indicate that Israel established two secret military bases in Iraq's western desert to facilitate operations against Iran, leading to fatal incidents involving Iraqi nationals.
Israel established two covert military bases in Iraq's western desert to support operations against Iran, according to reports from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. The first base was constructed in late 2024 and utilized during the June 2025 conflict with Iran. A second installation was built in early 2026, serving as a logistical hub for Israeli airstrikes and housing special forces and search-and-rescue teams.
The presence of these bases led to fatal incidents involving Iraqi nationals. On March 3, 2026, Awad al-Shammari, a Bedouin shepherd, was killed by an Israeli helicopter after reportedly discovering one of the bases and informing Iraqi authorities. Subsequently, an Iraqi reconnaissance mission was attacked, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to two others.
Iraqi officials have expressed strong disapproval of these actions. Waad al-Kadu, an Iraqi lawmaker, stated,
"It shows a blatant disregard for Iraqi sovereignty, its government and its forces, as well as for the dignity of the Iraqi people."
The Israeli Defense Forces have not commented on these reports. Iraq and Israel do not maintain diplomatic relations.