NBC News, citing two US officials and two people familiar with the matter,
reported the US has quietly reduced force levels at bases in Jordan, Qatar and
Kuwait in recent days. Several US diplomatic post chiefs in the region were
notified on Wednesday to begin staff reductions; the State Department said any
diplomatic evacuations are limited to Saudi Arabia. Officials told NBC the
drawdowns are among options being planned to move personnel out of harm’s way if
President Trump revives a large-scale military campaign against Iran; such moves
could occur around next month’s midterm elections. The report notes US forces
largely pulled back from the region in February before the war, with some
personnel later returning and now possibly being withdrawn again. US plans
reportedly would leave small contingents to handle air defense and base
security. CENTCOM said routine personnel and equipment movements take place to
optimize readiness but declined to disclose details.
