Military vehicles with Jordanian and U.S. flags drive as part of the ‘Eager Lion’ military exercises, in Zarqa, Jordan September 14, 2022. REUTERS/Alaa Al Sukhni
On Sunday, a drone strike targeted a U.S. military outpost, Tower 22, in Jordan, resulting in the unfortunate loss of three American soldiers and injuries to several others. Tower 22 holds a strategically significant position at the northeastern juncture of Jordan’s borders with Syria and Iraq.
The United States has maintained a longstanding presence in the Middle East, with various bases strategically positioned across the region. While the troop levels have diminished over the years, there are still approximately 30,000 U.S. military personnel deployed in the area. Key locations include the largest U.S. base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, as well as bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, there are around 900 troops in Syria, primarily stationed in small bases such as al Omar Oil field and al-Shaddadi in the northeast, with a smaller outpost near the border with Iraq and Jordan known as the Al Tanf garrison. In Iraq, talks are ongoing regarding the future of the approximately 2,500 U.S. personnel stationed at facilities like Union III and Ain al-Asad air base.
The presence of U.S. troops in the Middle East is multifaceted and, with the exception of Syria, is authorized by the respective governments of the host countries. In Iraq and Syria, the primary mission is to combat Islamic State militants and provide advisory support to local forces. However, these troops have faced attacks from Iran-backed forces over recent years, prompting defensive measures.
Jordan, a crucial U.S. ally in the region, hosts hundreds of U.S. trainers, engaging in extensive joint exercises throughout the year. In Qatar and the UAE, the U.S. military presence serves to reassure allies, conduct training, and participate in regional operations as needed.
U.S. military bases in the Middle East are typically heavily fortified, equipped with air defense systems to mitigate threats from missiles or drones. Bases in countries like Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait are generally secure and do not experience frequent attacks. However, U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria have been subject to repeated attacks, with over 160 incidents reported since October 7. These assaults, often attributed to Iran-backed militias, have resulted in numerous injuries to American personnel.
It is essential to note that there are no foreign military bases within the United States. While allied nations occasionally deploy their troops to train or collaborate with U.S. forces, there are no foreign military installations on U.S. soil.
The recent incident at Tower 22 underscores the challenges faced by U.S. troops in the region, with heightened tensions and the evolving geopolitical landscape influencing the security situation.
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