After the American intervention against Iranian nuclear sites this weekend, the Islamic Republic threatened Washington with “heavy consequences”. And this Monday evening, Tehran “launched a missile attack” against the American base of Al-Udeid in Qatar, Iranian television announced. Explosions were also heard in the center of Doha and Lusail, north of the capital, while projectiles have been seen in the sky, reports AFP.
Where are these American facilities in the Middle East, which fall under the central command of the United States (Centcom) are located? What are the American military numbers, and the privileged targets of Iran?
Visualize US military capacity in our map in our map in our Middle East:
About 50,000 American soldiers are present in this region of the globe around Iran, in the Persian Gulf countries, in the Red Sea and in the eastern Mediterranean. The American military presence is essentially deployed in air and sea bases.
Countries where permanent American bases are:
Bahrain
The country hosts the fifth fleet of the American navy and the headquarters of the American central naval forces, or approximately 9,000 staff according to the Washington Post. Bahrain’s deep waters port can receive the largest American military ships, such as aircraft carriers, anti-mines and logistical support buildings. The American coast guard also has quick intervention stars.
Irak
Various installations in Iraq are occupied by around 2,500 American soldiers, especially in the air bases of Al-Asad and Erbil, for missions against the Islamic State jihadist group. The sites sheltering American forces were, on several occasions, the target of Pro Iranian activists after the start of the war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023.
Syria
As in Iraq, the United States has troops in various installations in Syria as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State. The Pentagon announced, in April, that less than 1,000 soldiers would be present in Syria in the coming months. As in Iraq, Syrian sites sheltering American forces were the target of Iranian activists after 2023.
Kuwait
Kuwait is hosting several American bases, including the ARIFJAN camp, which welcomes the advanced headquarters of the Army component of Centcom, and the Ali Al-Salem air base, which is used for logistical transport and intelligence in the region. Depending on the period, the country welcomed 13,000 American soldiers.
Qatar
The largest American air base in the region is on the Al-Uudeid site, which includes the advanced components of Centcom, as well as its air forces and its special operations forces in the region. About 10,000 US soldiers are said to be present in the country. Since the beginning of June, American aircraft have been moved from this base located less than 200 kilometers south of Iran, in order to protect equipment in the event of Iranian attacks.
Saudi Arabia
An American military presence is permanent in the kingdom, centered on the Prince Sultan air base and the Eskan Village military camp, which would welcome around 3,000 soldiers. The American soldiers carry out anti -aircraft defense missions, aerial refueling, but also training with the Saudi forces.
Jordan
In 2021, the United States and Jordan concluded an agreement formalizing the American presence in a dozen Jordanian sites. About 3,200 US soldiers would be present, for missions to combat the Islamic State, but also counter-terrorism, training of local soldiers, regional surveillance and joint military exercises.
United Arab Emirates
The Al-Dhafra base is home to the 380th American air expeditionary squadron, where combat and drones are parked. On the site is also hosted the Gulf Air Warfare Center for air defense and anti -missile training.
Türkiye
Three bases hosted around 1,700 American soldiers (in 2011) for logistics transit missions, regional surveillance and support for regional air operations.
Our Israel -Iran war articles
Israel
Israel does not host a permanent American basis. There are, however, several strategic storage sites and classified installations with anti -missile equipment. A contingent of several hundred American staff are present there.
Countries that temporarily welcome American soldiers
Several countries in the region do not host permanent American bases, but, within the framework of agreements, can temporarily accommodate American staff, storage of equipment, or even ships in their ports. In this category is in particular Egypt, Oman, Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Pakistan.
