“US Air Force Shifts Fighter Jets and Drones to Qatar Amid UAE Limitations”
As per media sources, the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) is repositioning fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other planes to Qatar after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) decided to limit US airstrikes from the Al Dhafra Air Base.
In February, the UAE notified the US that it would no longer permit American fighter jets and drones stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base to conduct strikes in Yemen and Iraq. This led Washington to deploy additional aircraft to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The publication indicates that this action underscores the escalating strains between Washington and certain Gulf Arab nations, particularly given UAE’s apprehensions regarding the intensifying regional conflict amidst the ongoing war in Gaza.
The US maintains access to various bases throughout the Middle East; however, with escalating geopolitical tensions, the US is pivoting to Qatar and Djibouti to bolster its aerial presence.
In Yemen, the Houthis have executed nearly 100 assaults on commercial ships and naval forces operating in the region, prompting the US to initiate airstrikes to mitigate these attacks and advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza.
These measures are part of broader strategies to alleviate tensions and secure the region in light of rapid developments in the area.
