In Iraqi Desert, Two Israeli Outposts Were Kept Secret for Months
Maj. Gen. Ali al-Hamdani, commander of the Iraqi military’s Western Euphrates Forces, said the army had suspected an Israeli presence in the desert for over a month before the shepherd’s discovery. “Until now,” he said, “the government has been silent about it.” Iraq’s government, for whom acknowledging Israeli outposts is fraught, has still not acknowledged the Israeli bases. Iraq has no diplomatic relations with Israel, and its population sees Israel as an enemy. Lt. Gen. Saad Maan, a spokesman for Iraq’s security forces, told The Times that Iraq “has no information regarding the locations of any Israeli military bases.” Growing outrage in Iraq over the revelations could threaten U.S. efforts to curb Iranian influence in the country, even as the war’s outcome remains uncertain. Two regional security officials said the base Mr. al-Shammari exposed was used by Israel for air support, refueling and to provide medical treatment. The outpost was made to shorten distances Israeli aircraft had to fly to reach Iran. It was intended as only a temporary presence to assist with military operations — like those in the June 2025 war, during which, the two regional officials said, the base proved extremely useful.