While the quantity is much decrease after withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, there are nonetheless about 30,000 US troops scattered throughout the area. In addition, because the Israel-Gaza battle started in October, the US has briefly despatched 1000’s of extra troops within the area, together with on warships.
The largest US base within the Middle East is positioned in Qatar, often known as Al Udeid Air Base and inbuilt 1996. Other international locations the place the US has a presence embrace Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The US has roughly 900 troops in Syria, in small bases like al Omar Oil subject and al-Shaddadi principally within the northeast of the nation. There is a small outpost close to the county’s border with Iraq and Jordan, often known as the Al Tanf garrison.
There are 2,500 personnel in Iraq, unfold round amenities like Union III and Ain al-Asad air base, though talks are ongoing about the way forward for these troops.
Why are US troops stationed within the area?
US troops are stationed within the Middle East for various causes and apart from Syria, they’re there with the permission of every nation’s authorities.
In some international locations like Iraq and Syria, US troops are there to battle towards Islamic State militants and are additionally serving to advise native forces. But they’ve come beneath assault from Iran-backed forces over the previous a number of years and have taken motion towards them.
Jordan, a key US ally within the area, has a whole bunch of US trainers they usually maintain in depth workout routines all year long.
In different circumstances, like in Qatar and the UAE, US troops have a presence to reassure allies, perform coaching and are used as wanted in operations within the area.
Are there international army bases within the US?
While Washington’s allies typically ship their troops to coach or work with US troops, there are not any international army bases contained in the US.
Tower 22
Tower 22, the place Sunday’s drone assault occurred, killing three Army Reserve troopers, holds a strategically vital location in Jordan, on the most northeastern level the place the nation’s borders meet Syria and Iraq.
Specifically, Tower 22 is close to Al Tanf garrison, which is positioned throughout the border in Syria, and which homes a small variety of US troops. Tanf had been key within the battle towards Islamic State and has assumed a task as a part of a US technique to include Iran’s army build-up in jap Syria.
Do US bases within the areas get attacked usually?
US bases are extremely guarded amenities, together with with air protection programs to guard towards missiles or drones. Facilities in international locations like Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait usually are not often attacked.
But US troops in Iraq and Syria have come beneath frequent assault lately. Since simply October 7, US troops have been attacked greater than 160 occasions by Iran-backed militia, injuring about 80 troops, even previous to Sunday’s assault on Tower 22, which has injured round 40 extra.
A brand new wave of violence within the Middle East has erupted since October 7 when Palestinian Islamist Hamas fighters burst into Israel and killed 1,200 Israelis and took 253 others hostage.
In response, Israel unleashed a army marketing campaign that left greater than 26,000 lifeless and brought on a extreme humanitarian disaster within the densely-populated Gaza strip.