Published：May 9, 16:00Last updated：May 18, 01:51

Israel's Secret Iraq Bases Exposed

May. 9, 2026 16:00

Reports suggest Israel established a secret military base in Iraq's desert to support operations against Iran. The base, discovered by a local shepherd, nearly led to exposure. Israel allegedly attacked Iraqi military vehicles to prevent investigation, resulting in casualties.

Summarized

14News

12Media

May. 17, 2026 21:25

Another Israeli military base was discovered in Iraq, according to The New York Times. The base, reportedly used during a 12-day war against Iran in June 2025, was found by a shepherd who alerted Iraqi forces. The shepherd later died in a helicopter attack. The base's existence was confirmed by regional officials, as reported on May 17, 2026.

May. 18, 2026 01:51

Israel has been operating multiple secret military bases within Iraqi territory, as revealed in a confidential report submitted to the Iraqi parliament. The New York Times reported on May 17, 2026, that besides the known base near Al-Nukhaib in western Iraq, another Israeli base was identified. The exact location of the newly discovered base remains undisclosed. The bases are suspected to support airstrikes against Iran, raising tensions in the region.

Israel has been operating multiple secret military bases in Iraq's western desert to support its operations against Iran, according to revelations from The New York Times and Wall Street Journal. These bases, established as early as late 2024, housed special operations forces and served as logistics hubs during Israel's air campaign against Iran. Their existence was nearly compromised multiple times, leading to clashes with Iraqi forces and casualties. The Iraqi government denies the presence of these bases, while regional officials confirm their operations.Russia Today+5

🏜️ Base Discovery and Defense

The bases were accidentally discovered by Iraqi shepherds and local troops who reported suspicious activities. In one incident, Israeli forces attacked Iraqi soldiers investigating a site, killing one and wounding two. Another base was exposed when a shepherd alerted Iraqi forces, leading to a helicopter attack that resulted in the shepherd's death. These incidents highlight the lengths Israel took to protect its covert operations.Russia Today+2

🎯 Strategic Purpose

Positioned in Iraq's remote western desert, the bases provided Israel with forward positions closer to Iranian targets. They supported airstrikes and rapid rescue operations for downed pilots during the Israel-Iran conflict. Preparations for one base began in late 2024, and the facilities became operational just before hostilities escalated in February 2026.Russia Today+2

🤝 U.S. Involvement

American authorities were reportedly informed about the bases' establishment, though the extent of their cooperation remains unclear. Multiple U.S. sources cited in investigations suggest at least tacit approval of Israel's covert operations in Iraqi territory. This raises questions about U.S. involvement in regional conflicts.Russia Today+2

⚔️ Operational Consequences

The near-exposure of these bases led to direct clashes between Israeli and Iraqi forces, marking rare instances of overt military confrontation. These incidents occurred during the Israel-Iran conflict, which officially ended with an April 8 ceasefire. The bases' operations have heightened tensions in the region, with Iraqi officials continuing to deny their existence.Russia Today+2

IranIraqIsraelU.S. officialsWall Street Journal