ISLAMABAD: A local Iraqi shepherd’s chance encounter in the remote western desert has brought to light reports of secret Israeli military outposts operating inside Iraqi territory.
According to investigations by US media outlets including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, Israel established at least two covert bases to support its air campaign against Iran.
Furthermore, these bases were also used allegedly for false flag operations against Saudi Arabia and UAE.
The bases, located in Iraq’s vast Anbar and Najaf desert regions, reportedly housed Israeli special forces and served as logistical hubs for airstrikes, refuelling, search-and-rescue missions, and medical support.
One base was constructed in late 2024, with a second added in early 2025, operating intermittently for over a year with US knowledge.
On March 3, 29-year-old shepherd Awad al-Shammari, while travelling for groceries near al-Nukhaib, reportedly stumbled upon one site. He observed helicopters, soldiers, tents, and a makeshift landing strip.
Al-Shammari alerted authorities, triggering an Iraqi investigation. His family claims he was killed when a helicopter targeted his vehicle shortly after.
Iraqi officials have described the alleged operations as a serious violation of national sovereignty. Baghdad has demanded explanations, while local witnesses confirmed unusual military activity in the sparsely populated desert terrain, historically used for covert activities.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Israeli forces launched airstrikes against approaching Iraqi troops to protect the site’s secrecy in early March.
The bases reportedly reduced flight times for strikes on Iran and provided forward support during the US-Israel operations that escalated in late February.
Key details include the use of the sites for special forces operations and air support. Open-source satellite imagery later identified a possible airstrip in a dry lakebed approximately 180 kilometres southwest of Karbala.
Intelligence experts noted the desert’s isolation made it suitable for such hidden installations.
This revelation has intensified scrutiny over regional covert operations. Iraq, which maintains no diplomatic ties with Israel and hosts various armed groups, has long been a sensitive arena.
The presence of foreign forces without government consent raises questions about border security and intelligence failures.
Reactions in Iraq have been sharp. Officials called it a blatant disregard for sovereignty, while public discourse in Arab media has linked it to broader patterns of cross-border activities.
Some regional voices have questioned how such infrastructure operated undetected for months.
The incident has also revived discussions about false flag operations and proxy conflicts.
Reports suggest the bases supported strikes that may have complicated narratives around attacks attributed to other actors, including allegations involving Iran. However, direct confirmation of specific false flag incidents tied to these bases remains unverified in official accounts.
Background context points to escalating tensions. Israel sought to shorten response times and enhance operational flexibility against Iranian targets.
The western Iraqi desert offered proximity without direct basing in more contested areas. US involvement in knowledge-sharing highlights complex alliance dynamics in the region.
Market and diplomatic ripples have emerged. Oil prices saw brief volatility amid sovereignty concerns, while Gulf states monitored developments closely. Iraq has signalled potential reviews of security cooperation with partners aware of the operations.
Strategically, the episode underscores challenges in modern conflicts where deniability and forward positioning blur traditional boundaries.
It highlights vulnerabilities in vast desert regions and the role of local civilians in exposing state secrets. For Iraq, it raises questions about maintaining territorial integrity amid great power rivalries.
Future implications remain uncertain. Iraqi authorities are expected to strengthen desert patrols and surveillance.
Diplomatic fallout could affect broader US-Iraq relations, while the incident may fuel calls for greater transparency in regional military activities. Investigations continue as Baghdad seeks accountability over the shepherd’s death and the reported bases.