US withdraws jets from Al-Udeid Airbase over Iranian strike fears

(Web Desk): The United States has withdrawn its aircrafts from Qatar’s Al-Udeid Airbase due to the perceived threat of Iranian attacks.

Satellite images show that several aircrafts were previously stationed at the base ahead of the Iran-Israel conflict, but now the airbase appears empty.

Speaking to British news agency Reuters, US officials confirmed the withdrawal and cited the potential threat of Iranian strikes as the reason for the move. On condition of anonymity, officials told Reuters that the aircrafts removed from Al-Udeid could have been vulnerable to Iranian attacks.

In addition, a US official revealed that some American naval vessels have also been withdrawn from the Middle East as part of precautionary measures.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Qatar has temporarily restricted its staff’s access to the Al-Udeid Airbase.

Located outside Qatar’s capital, Doha, Al-Udeid is the largest American airbase in the Middle East. Prior to tensions between Iran and Israel, numerous US aircrafts were stationed there. Established in 1996, the base houses approximately 10,000 US troops and serves as the forward headquarters of US Central Command (CENTCOM). It has played a key role in US military operations in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.