Full Breakdown
Israeli Secret Bases in Iraq’s Western Desert: Discovery, Death, and Diplomatic Fallout
5/18/2026, 8:09:41 AM
Unveiling the Covert Facilities
On 3 March 2026 a Bedouin shepherd, Awad al-Shammari, reported to Iraq’s regional military command that he had observed soldiers, helicopters and tents clustered around a makeshift landing strip in the western desert near al-Nukhaib. Within hours a helicopter pursued his pickup, firing until the vehicle stopped and later burned. Al-Shammari’s body was recovered two days later. Iraqi officials later confirmed that the site was one of two covert Israeli bases that had operated intermittently in Iraq for more than a year, supporting Israeli air operations against Iran.
Historical Context and Strategic Purpose
Iraqi and regional officials said Israel began planning the desert outposts as early as late 2024. One base was used during the 12-day Iran-Iraq conflict in June 2025, providing air-support, refueling and medical treatment to shorten the distance Israeli aircraft must travel to strike Iranian targets. A second, older facility pre-dated the current war and was also employed in the 2025 operation.
Key Actors
- Awad al-Shammari – Iraqi shepherd who discovered the base.
- Amir al-Shammari – Cousin and eyewitness.
- Gen. Abdul-Amir Yarallah – Iraqi armed forces chief of staff who contacted U.S. counterparts.
- Waad al-Kadu – Baghdad lawmaker.
- Raed al-Maliki – Iraqi MP.
- Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) – Operators of the bases.
- Unnamed senior U.S. military official – Confirmed the force was Israeli.
Timeline of Events
- Late 2024 – Israeli planning for desert facilities begins.
- June 2025 – First base used in Operation Rising Lion (June 2025 war).
- February 2026 – War with Iran escalates; bases become active.
- 3 Mar 2026 – Awad al-Shammari reports activity; helicopter attack follows.
- 4 Mar 2026 – Iraqi reconnaissance unit dispatched; one soldier killed, two wounded, two vehicles destroyed.
- May 2026 – New York Times, Wall Street Journal and other outlets publish investigations.
Operational Details
- Number of bases: Two covert sites in Iraq’s western desert.
- Functions: Air-support, refueling, medical aid, temporary staging for potential rescue of downed crews.
- Casualties: 1 civilian (Awad al-Shammari), 1 Iraqi soldier killed, 2 soldiers wounded, 2 Iraqi vehicles destroyed.
Geopolitical Implications
The presence of Israeli forces on Iraqi soil breaches Iraq’s sovereignty and occurs despite the absence of diplomatic relations with Israel. Iraqi officials allege that the United States knowingly allowed Israeli use of Iraqi airspace and ordered radar shutdowns, raising questions about U.S. transparency to its ally. Iraq’s Joint Operations Command has lodged complaints at the UN Security Council, while public outrage has intensified calls for accountability.
Official Statements & Responses
Iraqi security officials described the sites as “foreign forces” that attacked Iraqi troops and affirmed that the United Nations had been notified. A senior U.S. officer characterized the installation as “a temporary staging area or camp to support operations in Iran.” The Israeli military declined to comment on the specific incidents. Iraqi parliamentary briefings highlighted the need for sovereign protection and investigation.
Criticism & Opposition
Lawmakers Waad al-Kadu and Raed al-Maliki condemned the operation as a “blatant disregard for Iraqi sovereignty” and accused the United States of handing Iraqi airspace to the “Zionist entity.” Civil society groups have called for a full parliamentary inquiry.
On-the-Ground Reports
Amir al-Shammari recounted that a burned pickup identical to his cousin’s was left in the sand and that the body was found burned. Local witnesses described repeated helicopter fire on the shepherd’s vehicle.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact date of the shepherd’s death (some cite 3 March, others 6 March). The extent of U.S. knowledge—whether it began in June 2025 or earlier—remains unverified. No official Iraqi acknowledgment of the bases has been made public.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were told that a burned-up pickup truck the same as Awad’s was out there, but no one dared to go there,” — Amir al-Shammari, cousin
- “It shows a blatant disregard for Iraqi sovereignty, its government and its forces, as well as for the dignity of the Iraqi people,” — Waad al-Kadu, lawmaker
- “The United States handed Iraqi airspace to the entity during the war and ordered radar systems to be shut down. Now it has become clear that Iraqi territory was also used to establish a secret intelligence centre or base for the Zionist entity,” — Raed al-Maliki, MP
- “a temporary staging area or camp to support operations in Iran.” — Senior U.S. military official
What’s Next
Iraq plans to pursue further UN Security Council action and launch a domestic inquiry into the incident. Continued diplomatic pressure on the United States and Israel is expected as Iraqi authorities seek clarification of the covert operations and accountability for the deaths of Awad al-Shammari and the Iraqi soldier.
