The United States has finalized an agreement allowing Qatar to establish an air force facility at Mountain Home Airbase in Idaho, as announced by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The facility will be used to train Qatari pilots to operate F-15 fighter jets. During a meeting at the Pentagon with Qatari Defense Minister Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Hegseth emphasized the collaborative nature of this development.
In recent months, Qatar, alongside Egypt and Turkey, has played a role in mediating indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Hegseth acknowledged Qatar’s participation in efforts led by former President Donald Trump to reach a Gaza ceasefire and facilitate a hostage return agreement. He expressed pride in signing a letter of acceptance for the construction of the Qatari Emiri Air Force Facility, which is intended to accommodate a contingent of Qatari F-15s.
The exact number of Qatari fighter jets that will be stationed at the Idaho facility and its anticipated operational date have not been disclosed. Last month, President Trump signed an executive order pledging extensive support, including military measures, to defend Qatar, which signifies a strengthened security relationship between the US and the Gulf nation.
This agreement comes in the context of recent tensions in the region, highlighted by Israeli air strikes that targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, resulting in casualties, including a Qatari security official. Qatar is also home to the largest US military base in the Middle East, al-Udeid, which has been strategically significant for US operations in the region.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c75q2y92090o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss