Israel and the United States conducted a joint attack on Iran over the weekend, sparking renewed military tensions in the Middle East.
Here are some key US military bases in the region:
In Bahrain: - Home to the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, responsible for the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
In Qatar: - The Al Udeid Air Base, located outside Doha, serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command, overseeing military operations from Egypt to Kazakhstan. This is the largest US base in the Middle East, accommodating around 10,000 troops.
In Kuwait: - Various military installations, including Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base, known as "The Rock." Camp Buehring, established during the 2003 Iraq War, is a staging post for US Army units deploying to Iraq and Syria.
In the United Arab Emirates: - The Al Dhafra Air Base, shared with the UAE Air Force, is a crucial hub for US Air Force missions against the Islamic State and reconnaissance operations in the region.
In Saudi Arabia: - US soldiers in Saudi Arabia, numbering 2,321 in 2024 according to a White House letter, work alongside the Saudi government to provide air and missile defense capabilities. Prince Sultan Air Base, located south of Riyadh, supports US Army assets, including Patriot missile batteries.
In Jordan: - The Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base in Azraq hosts the US Air Forces Central's 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, engaged in missions across the Levant.
Additionally, Dubai's Jebel Ali Port serves as the largest port of call in the Middle East for the US Navy, welcoming aircraft carriers and other vessels.
