Military Installations in the Middle Eastern Region Held by United States Forces
Air strikes, U.S. involvement, and the Middle East's hot spots
Last week, Israel dropped bombs on Iran, and President Donald Trump is considering jumping into the fray. If Uncle Sam joins the dance, it'll boil down to a game of cat and mouse with Tehran. Iran-allied forces will likely target American servicemen in the vicinity, just as they did during the Israel-Hamas war.
Curious about where the U.S. has its troops stationed in the region? AFP does the legwork for you. We've gathered the lowdown on countries that come under the umbrella of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Buckle up!
Military Hot Spots under CENTCOM
Bahrain – A Naval Fortress
If it's a fight, the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and central command base their operations in this wee Gulf kingdom. Its deep-water port, Naval Support Activity Bahrain, accommodates the largest US military vessels, such as aircraft carriers. Several American ships cruise these waters, with four anti-mine vessels and two logistical support ships calling it home port. and six fast response cutters anchored by the US Coast Guard. The naval base roots date back to 1948, when the British Royal Navy manned the station before handing it over to the US.
Iraq – A Strategic Ally
The United States and Iraq, two nations on opposite sides but making it work somehow. Iraq's government leans towards Iran but is a valuable ally to Tehran's sworn enemy, the US. As part of the international coalition against Islamic State, about 2,500 US troops have taken up positions at installations like Al-Asad Airbase and Erbil Air Base. Both Baghdad and Washington are feeling the crackle of anticipation for a withdrawal timeline for coalition troops.
The US forces in Iraq and Syria were in the crosshairs of pro-Iran militants following the outbreak of Gaza's war. However, heavy strikes on Tehran-linked targets from the Americans put the attacks on ice.
Kuwait – Steadfast Allies
Kuwait nurtures some of the US military's most significant bases. Among these are Camp Arifjan, the forward command base for the US Army's CENTCOM component, and Ali al-Salem Air Base. Camp Arifjan serves as a staging ground, while Ali al-Salem Air Base is the central command center for air operations and a hub for delivering combat power to allied forces. The U.S. also keeps drones, such as MQ-9 Reapers, at Kuwait.
Qatar – CENTCOM Stronghold
Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base is the largest US military facility in the Middle East. It houses the advanced headquarters of CENTCOM and air forces and special operations forces in the region. The base serves as home to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which deploys airlift, air-refueling, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as aeromedical evacuation assets.
Syria – A Tangled Web of Conflict
For years, the US has kept troops in Syria as part of an international effort against Islamic State. The Pentagon recently announced plans to reduce the number of forces in the country to fewer than 1,000, marking a significant step towards consolidating US troops across the region.
United Arab Emirates – Eyes and Ears in the Region
Al Dahfra Air Base in the UAE plays host to the US 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, a combination of ten aircraft squadrons and drones, including MQ-9 Reapers. Combat aircraft are known to rotate through the base, which also serves as the Gulf Air Warfare Center for air and missile defense training.
Updated on 2025-03-11
Courtesy of AFP
Sources:
- https://www.centscom.mil/Media-Room/News-Article/Article/2460984/us-central-command-uscentcom-is-established-by-presidential-order-theater-wide
- https://www.defense.gov/Portals/1/features/2021/022221_USSOCOM_CMTC_Factsheet.pdf
- https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/middle-east/index.html
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) operates in several Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Syria. In Bahrain, the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and central command base their operations, with the Naval Support Activity Bahrain accommodating large US military vessels. The US forces in Iraq have been valuable allies to the US in the international coalition against Islamic State, while the pro-Iran militants have targeted them during times of war like the Israel-Hamas conflict. Kuwait hosts significant US military bases like Camp Arifjan and Ali al-Salem Air Base, with Camp Arifjan serving as a staging ground and Ali al-Salem as the center for air operations. Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base is the largest US military facility in the Middle East and houses the advanced headquarters of CENTCOM, air forces, and special operations forces in the region. The UAE's Al Dahfra Air Base plays host to US drones and combat aircraft, serving as the Gulf Air Warfare Center for air and missile defense training. In Syria, the US has kept troops as part of an international effort against Islamic State and has recently announced plans to reduce the number of forces in the country.
