The US and UK are reducing the number of personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, as US President Donald Trump considers whether to take action against Iran over its crackdown on anti-government protests. Officials have told CBS, the BBC's US partner, that the partial American withdrawal was a 'precautionary measure'. The BBC understands some UK military personnel are also being removed. A Qatari government statement said the measures reportedly being taken by the US were 'in response to the current regional tensions'.
Trump earlier said the US would take 'very strong action' against Iran if the authorities execute protesters. Iran has said it will retaliate if attacked by the US. According to rights groups, more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed in the recent violent crackdown by the Iranian authorities.
Al-Udeid is the largest US military base in the Middle East, with about 10,000 personnel based there. While the exact number of troops being withdrawn is not clear, the urgency of the situation is evident given the ongoing unrest in Iran. A UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson has refrained from commenting on operational security.
The US Mission to Saudi Arabia has also advised personnel to limit non-essential travel to military installations due to safety concerns. As tensions escalate, President Trump has reiterated that Iranian officials must account for their actions against protesters and has indicated the possibility of military intervention if necessary.
Trump earlier said the US would take 'very strong action' against Iran if the authorities execute protesters. Iran has said it will retaliate if attacked by the US. According to rights groups, more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed in the recent violent crackdown by the Iranian authorities.
Al-Udeid is the largest US military base in the Middle East, with about 10,000 personnel based there. While the exact number of troops being withdrawn is not clear, the urgency of the situation is evident given the ongoing unrest in Iran. A UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson has refrained from commenting on operational security.
The US Mission to Saudi Arabia has also advised personnel to limit non-essential travel to military installations due to safety concerns. As tensions escalate, President Trump has reiterated that Iranian officials must account for their actions against protesters and has indicated the possibility of military intervention if necessary.
