Israel reportedly constructed two secret military bases deep inside Iraq’s western desert during the ongoing war with Iran, according to a report published Sunday by The New York Times citing unnamed Iraqi officials.

According to the report, one of the covert sites was allegedly discovered on March 3 after a Bedouin shepherd noticed unusual activity in the remote desert region and alerted Iraqi authorities.

The report follows revelations published last week by The Wall Street Journal claiming Israel had established a secret military outpost in a remote part of Iraq to support operations connected to the war with Iran.

According to that report, the base housed Israeli Air Force special forces personnel and served as a logistics hub during operations. IDF troops were reportedly stationed there in case Israeli pilots were shot down over hostile territory.

The Wall Street Journal further reported that Iraqi troops nearly discovered the base in early March after local residents observed helicopter activity in the area.

One Iraqi official claimed Israeli forces responded with airstrikes that drove Iraqi troops away from the location, allegedly killing one Iraqi soldier. A U.S. source cited in the report stated that American forces were not involved.

Unlike the first reported site, The New York Times claimed the second base had existed prior to the current war involving Israel, Iran, and the United States, and was allegedly used during “Operation Rising Lion” in June 2025.

The report further stated that Israel had begun preparations for the second facility as early as 2024.

Neither Israel nor the IDF has commented publicly on the reports.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)