According to media reports, the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) is relocating fighter jets, armed drones, and other aircraft to Qatar following a decision by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to restrict US airstrikes from the Al Dhafra Air Base.
In February, the UAE informed the US that it would no longer allow US warplanes and drones stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base to carry out strikes in Yemen and Iraq. This prompted Washington to send the additional aircraft to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The newspaper reports that this move highlights the growing tensions between Washington and some Gulf Arab states, particularly amid UAE concerns over the escalation of regional conflict with the spread of the war in Gaza.
The US has access to numerous bases across the Middle East, but with rising regional tensions, the US is turning to Qatar and Djibouti to strengthen its air presence.
In Yemen, the Houthis have carried out nearly 100 attacks on commercial vessels and naval forces operating in the area, prompting the US to launch airstrikes in an attempt to curb the attacks and pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza.
These steps come as part of efforts to ease tensions and secure the region in the face of rapid regional developments.
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