Iran attacks Al Udeid in Qatar: All you need to know about the US air base

Al Udeid Air Base is very important for the US military in the Middle East. It is the main base for US Central Command, also called CENTCOM, which oversees military operations in the region. The base is located in the desert outside Doha.

According to the US Congressional Research Service (CRS), the base covers 24 hectares and houses around 10,000 US troops at any time. The base has been used by US forces for more than 20 years. Since 2003, Qatar has spent over $8 billion to help build and improve the base. The agreement allowing US forces to use Al Udeid was recently extended for another 10 years.

Al Udeid hosts a range of military equipment. This includes refuelling planes (KC-135 Stratotankers), large cargo aircraft (C-17 Globemasters and C-130 Hercules), surveillance aircraft, and missile defence systems like the Patriot system. The base also has advanced radar to help detect missiles.

The base plays a key role in US efforts to deter Iran, counter extremist groups, and support allies in the region, according to CRS reports. Al Udeid is CENTCOM’s forward headquarters. The main CENTCOM headquarters is in Florida.

Al Udeid is also linked to other US activities in Qatar. A nearby former army base, Camp As Sayliyah, has been used to process Afghans seeking resettlement since 2022.

Iran’s attack on the base marks a major rise in tensions. The base is a central point for US military action in the region and could be targeted again if the conflict continues.