Washington, Jan 15, (dpa/GNA) – The United States has begun withdrawing troops from the Al Udeid military base on the outskirts of the Qatari capital Doha, according to CBS and NBC News on Wednesday, amid US threats towards Iran after widespread civilian protests.
Uncertainty in the region was compounded by the British government, saying it was temporarily closing the British embassy in Tehran.
“Hundreds of soldiers” are to be evacuated from Al Udeid on the other side of the Gulf from Iran, the US networks said.
CNN quoted an unnamed US official as saying this was a “precautionary measure.”
The Qatari government’s media office confirmed corresponding media reports in a statement published on the platform X, noting that these measures were being taken in response to “current regional tensions.”
Al Udeid is one of the most important US bases in the Middle East. According to reports, around 10,000 soldiers and civilian personnel are normally stationed there. The base also serves as the command centre for US military operations in the region.
US President Donald Trump gave a cryptic warning to Iran on Tuesday, amid speculation he may be considering military action after a massive state crackdown on Iranian demonstrators.
“Iranian patriots, KEEP PROTESTING — TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until what he called the “senseless killing of protesters” stops.
He promised that “help is on its way,” without elaborating on what form that support might take.
At least 3,428 demonstrators have been killed in Iran since the outbreak of anti-government protests at the end of December, according to the human rights organization Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO).
The Oslo-based group also said the actual death toll could be significantly higher.
The US struck Iranian nuclear facilities with missiles and bombs in June, during the short Israeli-Iranian war.
GNA