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US quietly pulling troops from Middle East bases

Published : Thursday, 22 October, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

The United States has quietly begun withdrawing and relocating troops from various military bases across the Middle East, US media outlet NBC News reported on Thursday, citing multiple sources.

The development comes shortly after Washington ordered non-essential staff and their families to evacuate several diplomatic missions in the region.

During previous escalations with Iran, troops stationed at vulnerable bases were similarly instructed to move to safer locations. Sources told NBC News on Wednesday that the current troop movement mirrors preparations made by the Pentagon and the State Department prior to the first wave of strikes last February, as President Donald Trump considers new military action.

According to the report, US service members positioned in Jordan, Qatar, and Kuwait are being relocated to alternative sites. However, a limited footprint will remain at these bases; primarily comprising personnel assigned to air defense and essential security operations.

Prior to February 28, the Pentagon had relocated a significant number of troops from high-risk bases anticipating retaliatory strikes from Iran. Thousands of soldiers were temporarily housed in civilian hotels and office buildings. At the time, Tehran accused Washington of using Gulf citizens as "human shields" by embedding military personnel within residential areas.

Spokesperson for US Central Command (CENTCOM) Timothy Hawkins declined to comment on the specific movement of troops, noting only that force positioning is routinely adjusted as part of operational preparedness.

Meanwhile, the State Department recently ordered non-essential personnel and their family members to depart diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia, a key US ally in the region, following threats of attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

While news agency Reuters reported, citing US officials, that Washington is preparing to evacuate diplomatic personnel from additional locations across the Gulf region, State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott dismissed those reports as inaccurate.

-SA

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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