The United States is set to welcome a new Qatari Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, as announced by War Secretary Pete Hegseth during a meeting with Qatar's Deputy Defense Minister, Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
This development marks a significant step in enhancing military collaboration between the two nations. The base, which has previously hosted foreign militaries such as the Singaporean Air Force for training, will now accommodate Qatari pilots and aircraft.
According to Conservative Daily News, Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, stating, "The location will host a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots to enhance our combined training, increase lethality, interoperability, its just another example of our partnership." He assured Al Thani of the United States' unwavering support, adding, "And I hope you know, Your Excellency, that you can count on us." Hegseth also acknowledged Qatar's pivotal role in the Hamas ceasefire deal, describing the nation as a "core part" of its initial success. However, it remains uncertain whether the establishment of the Air Force facility was contingent upon the ceasefire's outcome.
President Donald Trump has extended a NATO-style security guarantee to Qatar, underscoring any attack on the nation as a "threat to the peace and security of the United States." This move aligns with the administration's commitment to bolstering alliances with key partners in the Middle East. Despite concerns over Qatari influence in the U.S., highlighted by Trump's acceptance of a private jet to replace Air Force One, the partnership continues to evolve. The Pentagon has yet to comment on the matter, as reported by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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