Explainer: What Are US Troops Doing in the Middle East and Where Are They? By Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Three U.S. soldiers lost their lives and dozens more were injured following a drone strike on a military outpost in Jordan, referred to as Tower 22, on Sunday. This base is part of a network of American military installations throughout the Middle East.

U.S. Military Presence in the Middle East

The U.S. has maintained military bases in the Middle East for several decades. At its peak, there were over 100,000 American troops in Afghanistan in 2011 and more than 160,000 personnel in Iraq in 2007. Although those numbers have significantly decreased following the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, approximately 30,000 U.S. troops remain stationed across the region. Additionally, since the Israel-Gaza conflict escalated in October, the U.S. has deployed thousands of additional troops and resources, including naval vessels, to the area.

The largest U.S. base in the region is Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, established in 1996. Other nations hosting U.S. military presence include Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

In Syria, around 900 U.S. troops operate from small bases, such as the al Omar Oil Field and al-Shaddadi in the northeast. There is also a minor outpost near the borders with Iraq and Jordan, known as the Al Tanf garrison.

In Iraq, approximately 2,500 personnel are distributed among facilities like Union III and Ain al-Asad Air Base, although discussions regarding their future presence are ongoing.

Reasons for U.S. Troop Deployment in the Region

U.S. troops are positioned in the Middle East for various reasons, and, excluding Syria, their presence is based on agreements with the respective governments. In Iraq and Syria, American forces are primarily engaged in combatting Islamic State militants and providing advisory support to local forces. Over recent years, these troops have faced attacks from Iran-backed groups, prompting defensive actions.

Jordan, a vital U.S. ally, hosts hundreds of American trainers and regularly conducts extensive joint military exercises.

In nations like Qatar and the UAE, the U.S. military presence serves to strengthen regional alliances, provide training, and facilitate operational support as needed.

Domestic Military Landscape

While U.S. allies may deploy troops to train alongside American forces, there are currently no foreign military bases established on American soil.

About Tower 22

Tower 22, where the recent drone strike occurred, occupies a strategically significant position in northeastern Jordan, where the nation’s borders intersect with Syria and Iraq. This location is close to the Al Tanf garrison in Syria, which hosts a small contingent of U.S. troops and has played a critical role in combating Islamic State activities and countering Iran’s military expansion in eastern Syria.

Frequency of Attacks on U.S. Bases

U.S. military bases are typically well-protected, featuring robust air defense systems designed to fend off missile and drone threats. While bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait usually experience minimal attacks, U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria have faced frequent assaults in recent years. Since October 7, U.S. forces have encountered over 160 attacks attributed to Iran-backed militias, resulting in injuries to about 80 servicemembers prior to the drone strike on Tower 22, which has worsened the casualty count with around 40 additional injuries.

A fresh wave of violence in the Middle East erupted following the October 7 incursion by Hamas fighters into Israel, leading to significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza amidst extensive military responses.