US evacuates Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar after reported Iran strike

Aerial images released on Tuesday morning (July 22) reportedly show that the number of US Air Force aircraft stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar has significantly decreased in recent days, with the base eventually being left empty. According to these reports, the number of US military aircraft at the base was first reduced from 17 to three, before the remaining aircraft were withdrawn and the facility was completely evacuated.

Al Udeid Air Base, one of the largest US military facilities in West Asia, had been targeted in attacks attributed to Iran over the past two weeks. The reported evacuation comes amid rising military tensions between Iran and the United States in the region.

The evacuation suggests a potential de-escalation or repositioning of US forces following the strikes. The base has been a key hub for US operations in the Middle East, hosting thousands of troops and aircraft. The exact reasons for the withdrawal have not been officially confirmed by US or Qatari authorities.

According to Mehr News Agency, the aerial images indicate a complete withdrawal of US aircraft from Al Udeid, marking a significant shift in US military posture in the region. The report by Mehr News added that the attacks attributed to Iran over the past two weeks may have prompted the evacuation.