Inside Al Udeid: The Nerve Center of U.S. Military Operations in the Middle East

Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is not just another military outpost, it’s the central nervous system of U.S. operations across the Middle East.

Located just 30 kilometers from Doha, the base houses over 10,000 American troops and hosts the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). It plays a critical role in coordinating air missions stretching from Iraq to Afghanistan, managing everything from surveillance to strike operations through the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC).

On June 23, 2025, Iran launched missile strikes targeting Al Udeid in what it described as retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The attack marks one of the most direct assaults on a major U.S. installation in the Gulf region in recent history.