U.S. extends military presence in Qatar for another 10 years
The United States has extended its military presence in Qatar for another 10 years (Getty Images)
The United States has agreed to extend its military presence at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for another 10 years, according to Reuters.
Al Udeid Air Base is located in the desert southwest of Doha and is the largest American military facility in the Middle East. It can accommodate more than 10,000 military personnel.
Qatar is the United States' main non-NATO ally. The country has also played a key role in mediating talks with Hamas and Israeli officials over the war in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages.
At the same time, some in the U.S. Congress have criticized Qatar for the presence of Hamas representatives in the country. On October 16, 2023, a bipartisan group of 113 U.S. lawmakers sent a letter to Biden asking him to put pressure on countries that support Hamas, including Qatar.
