The United States Air Force has dispatched F-22 stealth fighters to Qatar for the first time to defend US forces and interests amidst growing tensions with Iran.

CNN reported:

A statement and photos from US Air Forces Central Command said the stealth jets arrived at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Thursday. The Air Force did not give the total number of F-22s deployed, but a handout picture showed at least five warplanes over the base."These aircraft are deployed to Qatar for the first time in order to defend American forces and interests in the US Central Command area of responsibility," the Air Force said.

The tension between US and Iran are at the highest level after Iran shot down a US military drone on 20 June 2019 calling it an "intruding American spy drone" after it entered into Iran's territory. US claims the incident occurred in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital shipping routes.

Qatar has the largest US force in the Middle East and Al Udeid Air Base is home to more than 11,000 US personnel with 100 operational aircraft.

Source: CNN & Al Jazeera

Cover Image: CNN

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