The US and UK are pulling some personnel from the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, as tensions rise between the two countries and Iran over the recent crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran. This partial withdrawal is a 'precautionary measure', according to officials, but it comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is considering taking strong action against Iran. The move is reportedly in response to the current regional tensions, with the Qatari government emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding the security and safety of its citizens and residents.
The Al-Udeid base, the largest US military facility in the Middle East, houses around 10,000 personnel, including about 100 UK staff. The exact number of personnel being withdrawn is unclear, with the UK Ministry of Defence declining to comment on 'operational security' concerns. The BBC's US partner, CBS, and the Reuters news agency have reported that some personnel have been told to leave, but there's no immediate sign of large troop movements.
This development comes amidst a backdrop of rising tensions. Iran has warned of retaliation if attacked by the US, and the Iranian authorities have cracked down violently on anti-government protests, killing over 2,400 demonstrators, according to rights groups. The US Mission to Saudi Arabia has advised its personnel and citizens to exercise caution and limit travel to military installations in the region. Trump has threatened military intervention, urging protesters to keep up their efforts.
The protests in Iran, which began over economic issues, have evolved into demands for political change, posing a significant challenge to the clerical establishment. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has confirmed the deaths of 2,403 protesters, including 12 children, despite an internet blackout. The Iranian government has accused the US of seeking to create a pretext for military intervention, and the parliament speaker has warned that Israeli and US military and shipping centers in the region would become legitimate targets if the US attacks.
