The United States is withdrawing some personnel from key military bases in West Asia as a precaution amid rising regional tensions.
A US official told Reuters on Wednesday that the move was linked to heightened security concerns after Iran warned that American bases could be targeted if Washington intervenes.
The disclosure followed remarks by a senior Iranian official who said Tehran had warned neighbouring countries hosting US troops of possible strikes in the event of a US attack.
Separately, three diplomats told the news agency that some personnel had been advised to leave the US military’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening.
Al Udeid, the largest US base in the region, houses around 10,000 troops. One diplomat described the move
as a “posture change” rather than an ordered evacuation, adding there were no signs of a large-scale withdrawal.
Later, the International Media Office of the State of Qatar confirmed that the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid was taking place in response to current regional tensions.
In a statement, the IMO said Qatar continues to take all necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of its citizens and residents, including steps to protect critical infrastructure and military facilities. It added that any further developments would be communicated through official channels.
“With reference to circulating media reports regarding the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base, the International Media Office (IMO) of the State of Qatar states that such measures are being undertaken in response to the current regional tensions.”
The latest movements echo steps taken last year, when some US personnel and families were moved off bases in the region more than a week before American air strikes on Iran. Following those strikes in June, Iran launched missile attacks on the base in Qatar.
The precautionary withdrawals come as Washington has warned it could intervene in Iran amid a violent crackdown on protesters, while Tehran has accused the United States and Israel of fuelling the unrest and has issued warnings of retaliation.
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