Where Are the U.S. Military Bases in the Middle East? Check Name Location and Country
The United States has many military bases in the world. Some of the most important bases are in the Middle East. These bases help the U.S. work with other countries, keep peace, and protect people.
What is a Military Base?
A military base is a place where soldiers live and work. It is used for training, storing weapons, and preparing for any danger. Some bases are for planes, called air bases, and some are for ships, called naval bases.
Big bases can also have food, water, and hospitals. Soldiers can stay there for a long time if needed.
Why Are Military Bases in the Middle East Important?
The Middle East is in a very important location. Many countries are close together there. The U.S. keeps bases in the Middle East to:
- Help friendly countries
- Fight against terrorist groups
- Be ready for any emergency
- Protect sea and air routes
List of Countries with U.S. Military Bases
Let’s look at the main countries where the U.S. has bases in the Middle East.
1. Bahrain
- The U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet is in Bahrain.
- This base watches over the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean.
2. Qatar
- The Al Udeid Air Base is the biggest U.S. base in the Middle East.
- More than 10,000 soldiers work there.
- It helps manage military missions in many countries.

3. Kuwait
- Kuwait has three major bases:
- Camp Arifjan: Main U.S. Army base.
- Ali Al Salem Air Base: Used for air missions.
- Camp Buehring: Used to send soldiers to Iraq and Syria.

4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- The Al Dhafra Air Base is near Abu Dhabi.
- U.S. and UAE both use this base.
- It helps in missions against dangerous groups and for surveillance.

5. Saudi Arabia
- The U.S. works closely with Saudi Arabia at Prince Sultan Air Base.
- This base has strong air defenses like Patriot missiles.
- Over 2,000 U.S. soldiers are working in Saudi Arabia.
6. Jordan
- The Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base is used for air operations in Syria and nearby areas.
- It is located near the city of Azraq.
7. Iraq
- The U.S. still helps in Iraq at two main bases:
- Ain al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq.
- Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq.
- These bases help in training Iraqi soldiers and fighting terror.
Which Is the Biggest U.S. Base in the Middle East?
The Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is the biggest U.S. military base in the Middle East. It was built in 1996 and covers 24 hectares (60 acres). It can hold 100+ planes and drones. Over 11,000 people work there.
U.S. Bases in the Middle East
Base Name | Country |
---|---|
Al Udeid Air Base | Qatar |
Camp Arifjan | Kuwait |
Ali Al Salem Air Base | Kuwait |
Camp Buehring | Kuwait |
Al Dhafra Air Base | UAE |
Fifth Fleet HQ (Navy) | Bahrain |
Prince Sultan Air Base | Saudi Arabia |
Muwaffaq al Salti Base | Jordan |
Ain al-Asad Air Base | Iraq |
Erbil Air Base | Iraq |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a U.S. military base?
A military base is a place where soldiers live, train, and work. It may also have planes, tanks, or ships.
Why does the U.S. have bases in the Middle East?
To help friendly countries, protect peace, and fight against dangerous groups.
What is the largest U.S. base in the Middle East?
The Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is the largest. It has over 11,000 soldiers and many aircraft.
Is the U.S. military still in Iraq?
Yes, U.S. soldiers are still in Iraq at Ain al-Asad and Erbil bases to help train and support local forces.
Do these bases only belong to the U.S.?
Some bases are shared with local armies, like in UAE and Jordan.