President Trump considering joining Israel against Iran; Tehran may retaliate against US troops
WASHINGTON: The United States has stationed thousands of troops at military bases throughout the Middle East. Over the years American forces have conducted numerous operations in this volatile region.
Last week, Israel carried out a major air offensive against Iran. President Donald Trump has said he is considering whether the US should support Israel in this conflict.
If the US becomes involved, Tehran may target American troops in response. Iranian-backed groups already attacked US forces during the ongoing clashes between Israel and Hamas.
Below, AFP takes a look at places in the Middle East where US forces are stationed. These areas fall under the US military’s Central Command often called CENTCOM.
Bahrain
The small Gulf nation is home to Naval Support Activity Bahrain, a key installation. This base houses the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and the headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command.
Bahrain’s deep-water port supports the largest US military ships, including aircraft carriers. The US Navy has maintained a presence at this base since 1948 when Britain’s Royal Navy ran the facility.
Several US Navy ships call Bahrain their home port. These include four anti-mine vessels and two logistical support ships. The US Coast Guard also operates in the area, with six fast response cutters stationed there.
Iraq
The United States keeps troops stationed in different parts of Iraq, including the Al-Asad and Arbil air bases. While Iraq’s government maintains close relations with Iran, it also serves as an important partner of the United States, a key rival to Tehran.
Around 2,500 US soldiers stay in Iraq as part of the international effort aimed at combating the Islamic State militant group. Baghdad and Washington have settled on a plan to bring coalition forces out of the country over time.
Pro-Iran fighters targeted US forces in both Iraq and Syria multiple times after the Gaza war flared up in October 2023. The US retaliated with strong attacks on groups connected to Tehran, which led to a significant drop in the assaults.
Kuwait
Kuwait holds multiple US bases like Camp Arifjan. This base serves as the forward headquarters of the US Army part of CENTCOM. The US Army also keeps prepositioned equipment stored in Kuwait.
Ali al-Salem Air Base houses the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. It acts as a central hub to deliver combat power to joint and coalition forces in the area. The US also operates drones in Kuwait, including MQ-9 Reapers.
Qatar
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar hosts forward units of CENTCOM. It also includes units for air and special operations forces in the region.
It also houses rotating combat aircraft and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing has “airlift aerial refueling intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and aeromedical evacuation assets.”
Syria
The United States has kept troops at different bases in Syria for years. They are part of international efforts to fight the Islamic State group. This group grew out of Syria’s civil war and took over big parts of Syria and Iraq.
In April, the Pentagon shared that it plans to cut its forces in Syria by about half. They intend to bring the number below 1,000 soon. This move is part of an effort to consolidate US troops there.
United Arab Emirates
The US 380th Air Expeditionary Wing operates out of Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE. This group includes 10 aircraft squadrons and uses drones like MQ-9 Reapers.
Various combat aircraft have been stationed at Al Dhafra. The base also holds the Gulf Air Warfare Center to train in air and missile defense.
