Washington: Satellite imagery indicates a notable reduction in US military aircraft at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, suggesting a strategic repositioning amid escalating regional hostilities.
Between June 5 and June 19, satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC reveal that the once-bustling airbase, a central hub for US operations in the Middle East, has seen most of its aircraft removed from the tarmac.
On June 5, approximately 40 aircraft—including C-130 Hercules transports and cutting-edge reconnaissance jets—were visible. By June 19, only three aircraft remained on the ground.
In tandem, the US embassy in Qatar announced recent restrictions on access to the base, citing "ongoing regional hostilities" and advising personnel to remain vigilant.
Flight tracking data analyzed by AFP shows that from June 15 to 18, at least 27 military refueling aircraft—such as KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotankers—flown from the US to Europe.
As of late Wednesday, 25 of these aircraft remained in Europe, with only two returning to the US, indicating ongoing preparations for extended operations.
The US military presence in the region remains on high alert, with military families given the option to evacuate bases as a precaution against potential Iranian retaliation. Currently, around 40,000 US troops are deployed across the Middle East, an increase from the typical 30,000, with numbers peaking at 43,000 during previous tensions in October.
The Pentagon has not issued specific comments regarding troop movements but maintains that US forces are ready to respond swiftly to evolving threats.
