The United States has quietly extended its military presence at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for another 10 years.
The agreement, not publicly announced, underscores the US reliance on Qatar, which has played a key role in mediating hostage releases and has been a crucial hub for US military operations in the Middle East.
Qatar’s involvement in negotiations with US enemies, hosting of Hamas leaders, and its role in facilitating hostage negotiations have sparked both praise and criticism.
The base has been pivotal in various operations, including supporting the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Qatar has committed significant resources to upgrade the base, and the US and Qatar are set to expand their bilateral defense relationship.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin noted that the US and Qatar “will formally take steps forward to expand and reinforce our bilateral defense relationship.”
“We’ll do this through Qatar’s commitment to contribute significant resources to increase capabilities here at Al Udeid Air Base, and that will support both of our forces for years to come,” he added.
