The New York Times, citing Iraqi officials, reported that Israel established two secret bases in Iraq’s western desert, in a development that has raised questions about military and intelligence activity in the region.

According to the report, one of the bases was discovered after an Iraqi shepherd was killed when he accidentally came across the military site near the Al-Nukhaib area in western Iraq, close to the borders with Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

Officials said the two bases were used for military and intelligence purposes, while details surrounding the operations and the time of their establishment remain highly secretive. No official comment has yet been issued by either the Iraqi government or Israel regarding the report.

The revelations come amid rising regional tensions and increasing concerns over the expansion of undeclared military operations across the region, particularly inside Iraqi territory.