The United States maintains a significant and strategic presence in the Middle East, with the bases serving as air nodes, marine ports, logistics centers and regional command.
Here is a detailed overview of US military foundations in the Middle East and their strategic significance.
Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar: The largest and main base in the region for approximately 8,000-10,000 employees, including the Forward Combined Aviation Operations for Centcom Operations in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan
Activity to support naval support, Bahrain: Home The Fifth Fleet of the US Navy, organizing around 9,000 employees, essential to ensure supplier routes in the Gulf, Red Sea and Indian Ocean
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait: The main logistics center supporting US forces throughout the region with the presented device and delivery devices
Air Base Al Dhafra, Sae, Camp Buehring and Ahmad Al-Jabir Air Base, Kuwait, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey and Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia-Vs
Other known installations
Jordan: Several smaller bases for training and supervision
Iraq and Syria: dotted bases of special operations supporting Anti-Isis mission
Oman & Qatar: Using port devices for maritime logistics
A total of about 30,000 US units supported by forces in Iraq, Syria, Jordan and naval units in the region are located in these installations
Iranian strike at Al Udeid base
23 June Iran launched a missile strike at the Air base Al Udeid – the head of the US Central command – to plant it as a “powerful and successful response” to American strikes to his nuclear facilities. Al Udeid is only 120 miles from Iran to Gulf.
This means a significant escalation: Iran for the first time in this last round of Tit-for-for-Fat strikes directly focused on the US military command center in the region.
Why does it matter now
The presence of the US in the Middle East is under the renewed threat after:
June 22: American bombers struck Iranian nuclear places (Ford, Natanz and Isfahan)
June 23: Iran retaliation to Air Udeid air base and escalate the risk of a wider war
Regional fallout: Qatar and Bahrain have implemented emergency protocols; American allies are afraid to become collateral
(Tagstotranslate) US military base in the Middle East (T) Al Udeid Air Base Qatar (T) US Central Command Central Command (T)
