A major controversy has erupted in Iraq after reports emerged that secret Israeli military bases had been operating inside the country’s western desert for more than a year. The issue gained international attention following the death of 29-year-old shepherd Awad al-Shammari, who allegedly discovered one of the hidden facilities before being killed in a helicopter attack.
According to witnesses from a Bedouin camp near the remote town of Al-Nukhaib, western Iraq, the incident occurred on March 3, 2026. Residents said they saw Awad driving his truck toward the desert area before it later returned riddled with bullets and partially burned. Witnesses claimed a helicopter chased the vehicle and opened heavy fire before the truck came to a stop in the desert.
Family members and regional officials believe Awad may have unintentionally uncovered a covert Israeli military outpost operating deep inside Iraqi territory. His cousin, Amir al-Shammari, told The New York Times that Awad had earlier contacted Iraqi military authorities after spotting soldiers, helicopters, and tents in the desert.
Regional military and security officials stated that Israel had established at least two secret military sites in western Iraq to support operations against Iran. One of the bases was reportedly used during the 12-day conflict with Tehran in June 2025. Officials said the facilities were designed to provide air support, fuel supplies, and emergency medical services while allowing Israeli aircraft to shorten flight distances toward Iranian targets.
According to regional sources, Israel began preparing the temporary bases in late 2024 by identifying isolated desert regions suitable for future military operations. The officials further alleged that Washington had prior knowledge of at least one of the installations months before the 2025 conflict.
The revelations have sparked outrage among Iraqi politicians and security analysts. Iraqi lawmaker Wad al-Qadu described the situation as “a blatant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty, government, security forces, and national dignity.”
Two Iraqi security officials also claimed that during previous regional conflicts, Washington pressured Baghdad to shut down parts of its radar systems to ensure the safe movement of U.S. aircraft. Critics argue that such dependence weakened Iraq’s ability to detect foreign military activity within its own territory.
The controversy has also raised difficult questions for the Iraqi government: Did Iraqi authorities genuinely fail to detect the foreign presence, or did they remain silent despite knowing about it?
Major General Ali al-Hamdani said Iraqi forces had already suspected unusual foreign military activity in the desert weeks before Awad’s discovery. “The government remains silent on the matter until now,” he said.
Meanwhile, Iraqi security spokesman Saad Maan denied having official information regarding Israeli military bases inside Iraq.
Military analysts and former U.S. officials, however, argue that given the close strategic relationship between the United States and Israel, it is difficult to imagine that U.S. Central Command was completely unaware of Israeli activities in western Iraq.
The Israeli military has not officially responded to allegations regarding the bases or the killing of Awad al-Shammari. Pentagon Central Command also declined to comment directly, referring inquiries to the Israeli Defense Forces.
The incident has intensified debate over Iraq’s sovereignty and highlighted the country’s continuing struggle to maintain full control over its territory amid growing regional tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Israelis have been maintaining two secret bases in the Iraqi desert for months; they have been attacking Iran from there
