A senior U.S. official has firmly denied recent reports claiming that American personnel are being evacuated from key military installations in the Middle East. The denial follows an article published by The New York Times suggesting that troops were being moved out of Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the US Navy base complex in Bahrain due to rising regional tensions.
Speaking on Friday, February 20, 2026, the official characterized the reports as "baseless" and "incorrect," asserting that U.S. forces remain at their designated stations. While acknowledging that routine precautionary measures are always in place, the official emphasized that no decision has been made to evacuate hundreds of soldiers as was previously claimed.
Maintaining Readiness Amid Tensions
The rumors of evacuation emerged against a backdrop of escalating friction between Washington and Tehran. Despite the heightened military posture and ongoing deterrence efforts by the U.S. in the region, the Pentagon has maintained that its operations in Qatar and Bahrain are continuing according to standard protocols.
"Our forces in the region are operating under normal plans to ensure safety and security," the official stated, downplaying any suggestion of a large-scale withdrawal. Al-Udeid serves as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command, while Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, making both locations vital to American strategic interests in the Gulf.
Pentagon Clarification
The Department of Defense has reinforced the official's stance, noting that misreporting on troop movements can lead to unnecessary instability. For now, the U.S. military presence in the Middle East remains unchanged, with officials focused on monitoring Iranian military activity and protecting regional allies without the need for emergency evacuations.
Follow the latest news on Google News
