DID Press: A report by New York Times has alleged that Israel spent more than a year establishing secret bases inside Iraq for potential operations against Iran, while Iraqi officials have reportedly confirmed the existence of a second undisclosed site in the country’s western desert.
According to the report, the issue gained wider attention after the death of 29-year-old Iraqi shepherd Awad al-Shammari, who allegedly discovered one of the hidden facilities near the town of Nukhayb on March 3.
The newspaper claimed that Shammari contacted the Iraqi military after seeing Israeli personnel and helicopters in the area. Local sources cited in the report alleged that helicopters later pursued his vehicle and opened fire, killing him after setting the car ablaze.
Earlier reports by The Wall Street Journal had referred to only one alleged covert base, but Iraqi officials have now reportedly acknowledged the existence of a second facility operating in remote desert regions.
The revelations have intensified debate inside Iraq over national sovereignty and concerns that Iraqi territory could be used for cross-border military operations amid rising regional tensions involving Iran and Israel.
Analysts warn that the allegations may create political and security pressure on Baghdad at a time when Iraq is attempting to balance internal sensitivities, regional rivalries and the presence of foreign actors.
The reported death of the young shepherd has also added a human dimension to the controversy, drawing public attention to the broader implications of covert military activity inside Iraqi territory.