The United States and the United Kingdom are reducing the number of military personnel stationed at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East. The partial American withdrawal is being described by officials as a "precautionary measure," according to CBS, the BBC's U.S. partner.
The BBC understands that some UK military personnel are also being removed from the base. The moves come as U.S. President Donald Trump considers potential action against Iran in response to its crackdown on anti-government protests.
A statement from the Qatari government acknowledged the reported measures being taken by the U.S., stating they were "in response to the current regional tensions." The Qatari government added that it would continue to "implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority, including actions."
The Foreign Office has also temporarily closed the British embassy in Tehran, which will now operate remotely, according to a government spokesperson.
The backdrop to these developments is the ongoing unrest in Iran, where rights groups estimate that more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed in the recent violent crackdown by Iranian authorities. The potential for escalation in the region has prompted the U.S. and UK to reassess their force posture in the area.
Al-Udeid Air Base is a critical hub for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, serving as a central command and logistics center. The reduction in personnel, while described as precautionary, raises questions about the potential impact on ongoing operations and the overall U.S. strategy in the region. The specific number of personnel being withdrawn by each country has not been disclosed.
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