The New York Times reports that Israel operated at least two covert military outposts in Iraq’s western desert for well over a year, with one site reportedly prepared as far back as late 2024 ahead of future conflicts with Iran.

•⁠ ⁠One of the secret sites was exposed after Iraqi shepherd Awad al-Shammari reported seeing soldiers, helicopters and tents near a landing strip. His family believes he was later killed after stumbling upon the operation.

•⁠ ⁠Iraqi officials told the Times the base was used during the June 2025 war with Iran for air support, refueling, medical treatment and shortening flight distances for Israeli aircraft.

•⁠ ⁠Iraqi officials later confirmed a second undisclosed outpost, while current and former U.S. officials said it would be inconceivable for U.S. Central Command not to have known about an Israeli presence in western Iraq.