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US begins evacuation of troops from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar amid Iran tensions
The United States has started evacuating hundreds of soldiers from its largest airbase in the Middle East, Al-Udeid in Qatar, NBC News reports.
Unnamed US officials told the outlet that personnel are being relocated to other facilities and hotels in the region to protect them from potential threats in case a US strike on Iran triggers retaliatory actions from Tehran.
The Qatari government confirmed the evacuation, describing it as a response to “current regional tensions.” Officials emphasized that Qatar will take “all necessary measures to ensure the safety and protection of its citizens and residents as a priority.”
On January 11, Iranian officials warned that US and Israeli military bases in the region could be at risk if the United States attacks Iran. “US military and naval centers will become legitimate targets for us,” said Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Earlier, former US President Donald Trump pledged “very strong measures” against Iran if the government executed protesters.
Evacuation context
This is not the first time US troops have been evacuated from Al-Udeid. In June last year, soldiers were withdrawn ahead of a Pentagon operation targeting Iranian uranium enrichment facilities. Iran subsequently retaliated by striking the base.
NBC sources note that the previous evacuation was done at the last minute with less coordination, whereas the current operation appears to be part of a more organized effort in preparation for a potential mission.
