US reaches deal with Qatar to extend presence at largest military base in Middle East
- In Reports
- 11:17 PM, Jan 03, 2024
- Myind Staff
The United States has reportedly secured an agreement to prolong its military presence at a base in Qatar for an additional 10 years, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters on Tuesday.
According to the sources, the base in question is the Al Udeid Air Base. Situated in the desert southwest of Doha, the Al Udeid Air Base stands as the largest US military installation in the Middle East. With the capacity to accommodate over 10,000 American troops, it plays a significant role in the region.
The base has served as a pivotal hub for the air operations of the US Central Command, particularly in and around Afghanistan, Iran, and across the broader Middle East. Both the Qatari and British Air Forces also conduct operations from this strategic location.
This extension of the base's tenure aligns with the increased presence of the United States in the region, responding to escalating threats from Iran-backed militant groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
This agreement, which has not been made public yet, underscores Washington's dependence on the tiny Gulf state. In the negotiations aimed at mediating the conflict in Gaza and securing the release of captives taken prisoner by the Palestinian Islamist organization during its cross-border raid on Israel on October 7, resulting in the loss of 1,200 lives, Qatar has played a pivotal role in facilitating the talks.
U.S. President Joe Biden has been in regular communication with the emir of Qatar since October 7, discussing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and exploring ways to increase aid to Gaza. According to Gaza health authorities, more than 22,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza due to Israel's military actions following the Hamas attack.
Qatar’s role in the months of negotiations over Americans detained by Venezuela was less public but came to light after President Nicolas Maduro released 10 Americans last month in exchange for a close ally accused by the US of laundering hundreds of millions of dollars.
Qatar holds the status of a significant non-NATO U.S. ally, a designation bestowed by the United States upon close, non-NATO partners with whom it maintains strategic working relationships, particularly in the realm of the U.S. military.
Image source: Reuters
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