The US broadcaster CBS, the BBC’s partner in the United States, has reported that a US official and a senior military official said on Wednesday that, in view of continuing regional threats from the Houthis and direct threats from Iran, the US military is quietly reducing the presence of troops at some of its bases in the Middle East.
The US broadcaster NBC had first broadcast the news on Wednesday.
Responding to these reports, US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins told CBS that the US military routinely moves its personnel and equipment to improve operational readiness for various missions.
He said: ‘For operational security reasons, we do not provide details of such movements. US forces remain vigilant and ready to protect US personnel and interests throughout the region.’
Meanwhile, the US State Department, citing threats linked to the Iran-backed Houthi group, has ordered non-essential staff of the US embassy in Saudi Arabia and their families to leave the country.
CBS further reported that some US embassies in the Middle East have also changed their staff numbers under ‘limited operations’ status.
The US State Department announced this ‘limited operations’ policy in August, as tension and conflict with Iran intensified. Under this arrangement, embassies can limit their staff numbers and the services they provide without completely suspending their operations.
