Sign in Register
Posted On: 29 June 2019 02:20 pm
Updated On: 12 November 2020 02:20 pm

US sends F-22 fighters to Qatar

Leena Chung
Leena Chung
Salam!
Discuss here!
Start a discussion
Us-air-force-f-22-arrives-qatar

The United States Air Force has dispatched F-22 stealth fighters to Qatar for the first time to defend US forces and interests amidst growing tensions with Iran.

CNN reported:

A statement and photos from US Air Forces Central Command said the stealth jets arrived at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Thursday. The Air Force did not give the total number of F-22s deployed, but a handout picture showed at least five warplanes over the base."These aircraft are deployed to Qatar for the first time in order to defend American forces and interests in the US Central Command area of responsibility," the Air Force said.
F22 Planes
US Air Force F-22 Raptors fly in formation as they prepare to land at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 27, 2019.

The tension between US and Iran are at the highest level after Iran shot down a US military drone on 20 June 2019 calling it an "intruding American spy drone" after it entered into Iran's territory. US claims the incident occurred in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital shipping routes.

Qatar has the largest US force in the Middle East and Al Udeid Air Base is home to more than 11,000 US personnel with 100 operational aircraft.

Source: CNN & Al Jazeera

Cover Image: CNN