Current sectionIsrael NewsIsrael SecurityThe second base near the Iran border was possibly discovered by a Bedouin shepherd in March, a few days after the start of the joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Tehran, The New York Times reportedShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeA shepherd leads his herd through the Najaf desert in southwestern Iraq on Tuesday. Credit: AFP/QASSEM AL-KAABIA shepherd leads his herd through the Najaf desert in southwestern Iraq on Tuesday. Credit: AFP/QASSEM AL-KAABI09:29 AM • May 18 2026 IDTA second Israeli covert military base operating in western Iraq was revealed to have operated in Iran, according to a report by The New York Times, which cited Iraqi and regional officials.The existence of the site – previously undisclosed – came to light after a Bedouin shepherd was killed in early March, a few days after the start of the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation in Iran, while apparently stumbling upon one of the installations in the Najaf desert, the newspaper reported.According to The New York Times, the man, identified as Awad al-Shammari, 29, had been on a routine trip when he encountered what he later reported to Iraqi authorities: soldiers, helicopters and tents gathered around a landing strip in the remote desert. Shortly after alerting local officials, he was killed in circumstances witnesses described as involving a helicopter pursuit and gunfire. His family believes he was targeted after discovering the site. Haaretz Podcast'BDS is a scam': Why Israeli music icon David Broza still believes in the power of artHaaretz Podcast'BDS is a scam': Why Israeli music icon David Broza still believes in the power of arttotal-- : --time0:00The report says Israeli forces had been operating at least one base in Iraq for over a year and may have begun preparing it as early as late 2024. Iraqi officials told the newspaper that a second, previously undisclosed site also existed in the country's western desert.The outposts were reportedly used intermittently during Israel's 12-day war with Iran in June 2025, primarily for air support, refueling and medical evacuation operations, according to regional security officials cited by The New York Times. One of the sites was described as part of an effort to reduce flight distances for Israeli aircraft operating toward Iran.Iraqi authorities only became fully aware of the suspected Israeli presence after the shepherd's report, The Times said. A reconnaissance mission sent to the area later came under fire, resulting in casualties, according to Iraqi military statements cited in the report.Senior Iraqi officials told The New York Times that U.S. forces were likely aware of the installations, though Washington did not confirm this. Former U.S. and Iraqi officials quoted in the report said it was unlikely such activity would have taken place without some level of American knowledge, given close U.S.-Israeli military coordination in the region. Men gather around the husk of a destroyed pickup truck in the Najaf desert in southwestern Iraq on Tuesday. Credit: AFP/QASSEM AL-KAABIMen gather around the husk of a destroyed pickup truck in the Najaf desert in southwestern Iraq on Tuesday. Credit: AFP/QASSEM AL-KAABIIraqi lawmakers who were briefed on the matter accused the presence of foreign forces of violating Iraqi sovereignty. One parliamentarian, Waad al-Kadu, said it reflected "a blatant disregard for Iraqi sovereignty," according to the report.The Iraqi military has not formally acknowledged the existence of Israeli bases in the country. A spokesperson for Iraq's security forces told The New York Times that Baghdad "has no information regarding the locations of any Israeli military bases."According to the report, Iraqi forces had received reports of unusual activity in the desert for weeks but initially monitored the area from a distance rather than intervening directly. Some senior officers later said they had suspected an Israeli presence before the shepherd's discovery.The Israeli military declined to comment on the allegations or on the killing of the shepherd, the newspaper said.The report also said the bases were intended as temporary, covert staging points for regional operations against Iran, reflecting what officials described as Israel's effort to maintain flexible forward positions during periods of escalation. Iraqi officials remain divided over whether the military was genuinely unaware of the installations or whether information was withheld or misinterpreted amid competing regional alliances involving the United States and Iran.The status of the reported outposts is now unclear, though Iraqi officials cited in the report said at least one appears to no longer be active.In the NewsReport Reveals Israel Ran a Second Military Base in Iraqi Desert During Iran WarIsraeli Settlers Set Fire to Palestinian Property in West Bank, Report SaysAs Trump Hesitates With Iran, Israel Acts as if Return of War InevitableFor Lebanese, Israeli Warplanes – Not Washington Diplomacy – Define RealityArchaeology at the Service of Government Public RelationsRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIHundreds Protest at New York Times HQ Over Column Alleging Abuse by IsraelisStarlink Users, Beware – Israeli Tech Can Reveal Your IdentityWelcome to the Most Shameful Day in the Jewish CalendarIsraeli Teens Storm Muslim Quarter in Old City, Haaretz Reporter AttackedIsrael Attacks New York Times for Report on Sexual Violence by Israeli ForcesAbe Foxman's Death Marks the Demise of the American Jewish Establishment