Israel constructed two secret military bases in Iraq’s western desert before and during the June 2025 war with Iran, according to multiple sources and satellite analysis [1, 2, 3]. One base was set up in late 2024 as a logistical hub to support Israeli air operations with knowledge of the US [1, 2, 3]. The bases were used intermittently during the 12-day conflict for air support, refueling, medical services, and special forces operations [1, 3].
The bases’ locations near al-Nukhaib, about 100 km southwest of Baghdad near the Saudi border, were identified by open-source analysts via satellite imagery [1]. The secret presence became public in early March 2026 after Iraqi shepherd Awad al-Shammari, 29, reported unusual military activity near al-Nukhaib to Iraqi authorities and subsequently was killed in a helicopter attack while in his vehicle [2, 3]. Shammari’s death came after he reportedly discovered one of the bases [2].
In response to Iraqis approaching the bases in early March, Israeli forces launched attacks against Iraqi units in the area [1, 2]. Iraq denies authorizing any foreign military bases on its soil. Lt-Gen Qais al-Muhammadawi, Iraq’s deputy joint operations commander, said, “There is no agreement or consent for any force to be present in this location” [1]. An Iraqi lawmaker called the presence “a blatant disregard for Iraqi sovereignty” [2]. Baghdad privately protested to Washington in late March over suspected Israeli covert activity violating Iraqi sovereignty [1, 2].
However, a senior Iraqi security official dismissed claims of Israeli military activity in the western desert as false, highlighting a disagreement within Iraqi authorities [3]. Israel and Iraq have no diplomatic relations. The Israeli military declined to comment on the bases or Shammari’s death [2].
The discovery of these bases and the killing of al-Shammari indicate tensions remain high in the region months after the conflict with Iran. Iraqi authorities continue to investigate military activity near al-Nukhaib. Meanwhile, diplomatic contacts between Baghdad and Washington remain under strain due to the reported covert operations.
