The United States has launched airstrikes on targets associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and the factions supported by Tehran in Iraq and Syria following an attack on one of the many sites where American presence exists in the Middle East.
Where are American forces located in the Middle East? The U.S. has had military bases across the Middle East for decades, reaching its peak military presence in 2011 with over 100,000 troops in Afghanistan and in 2007 when the number of troops in Iraq reached 160,000. Although the number of American soldiers has significantly decreased following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, approximately 30,000 troops still remain in the region. Furthermore, since Israel's war on Gaza began in October, the United States has temporarily sent thousands of additional troops to the area, some aboard warships. The largest U.S. base in the Middle East is Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, established in 1996. American bases are also located in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Washington has about 900 soldiers in Syria in small bases such as Al-Omar oil field and the Al-Shaddadi area, mostly in the northeastern part of the country. There is also a small base known as Tanf near the border with Iraq and Jordan. In Iraq, 2,500 troops are deployed at military facilities such as Union III Base and Al Asad Airbase, with discussions ongoing regarding the future of those forces.
Why are American forces stationed in the region? American forces are stationed in the Middle East for various reasons and with the consent of each country's government, except for Syria. Troops have been deployed in countries like Iraq and Syria in an effort to combat ISIS militants and provide military advisory support to local forces, although they have been subjected to attacks from Iran-backed factions in recent years and have occasionally responded to these attacks. Jordan, a key U.S. ally, has hundreds of American trainers conducting intensive military exercises throughout the year. In other cases, such as in Qatar and the UAE, U.S. forces are deployed to reassure allies, conduct training, and assist as needed in operations in the region.
Are there foreign military bases in the United States? There are no foreign military bases within the United States, but U.S. allies sometimes send their troops for training or to operate alongside American forces.
Tower 22 on the Jordan-Syria border Tower 22, where a drone attack occurred on January 28 resulting in the deaths of three American reservists, occupies a strategically important location in Jordan, at the far northeast of the country where the kingdom's borders meet Syria and Iraq. Washington accused Iran-backed Hezbollah brigades in Iraq of being responsible for the attack. Tower 22 is specifically located near the Tanf base on the other side of the border in Syria, which hosts a small number of U.S. troops. The Tanf base has been a key element in combating ISIS and played a role in the U.S. strategy to contain Iranian military buildup in eastern Syria.
Are American bases in the region frequently attacked? American bases are heavily guarded facilities, including air defense systems for protection against missiles or drones. These installations in countries like Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait are not usually attacked. However, American forces in Iraq and Syria have faced frequent attacks in recent years. Since October 7, U.S. forces have been attacked more than 160 times by Iran-backed groups, resulting in about 80 injuries, even before the attack on Tower 22 that injured approximately 40 others. A new wave of violence erupted in the Middle East since October 7, when fighters from the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) stormed towns in southern Israel, killing 1,200 and taking 253 others hostage, according to Israeli statistics. In response, Israel launched a military campaign that has resulted in over 27,000 deaths and caused a severe humanitarian crisis in the densely populated Gaza Strip.
