Iraqi sources have told The New York Times that a second Israeli military base was discovered in the western Iraqi desert – a disclosure that emerged through reporting on the killing of a shepherd who allegedly exposed the facility's location. The American newspaper published the account on Sunday.
According to the outlet, the base served Israel prior to the current war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Regional security officials said it was also used during Operation Rising Lion, targeting Tehran in June 2025.
Video: American helicopters operating in the western Iraqi desert. Credit: Social media
The report further alleged that Israeli forces began preparations to build the improvised base as early as late 2024, as part of an operation to identify remote sites from which to operate in future conflicts. The IDF did not respond to The New York Times' request for comment on either the base or the killing of the shepherd. According to the report, the United States was aware of the bases' operations and took no steps to restrict Israel in any way.
"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, an Iraqi member of parliament who participated in a classified parliamentary briefing on the base, said.
