The New York Times has reported that Israel’s military operated two secret bases in Iraq’s western desert, including one near the town of Al-Nukhayb. According to the report, Israeli forces allegedly killed a shepherd and an Iraqi soldier to conceal the existence of one of the sites. The shepherd was identified as 29-year-old Awad al-Shammari. Regional officials cited by the newspaper said the base was established before the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States and was used during a 12-day war against Iran last year. It reportedly served for air support, refueling, and medical assistance.

The report added that the United States was aware of the base, implying Washington withheld this information from Baghdad despite the presence of a hostile foreign force on Iraqi soil. The newly revealed base is said to be separate from another previously reported Israeli facility described by The Wall Street Journal as a logistics hub for the Israeli Air Force. Iraq has not yet issued an official response, though a military spokesperson reiterated that Iraq will not allow its territory to be used for attacks on other countries.