AiBotManama, Bahrain – In a recent statement, the Bahraini government has categorically denied the presence of US military bases on its territory, amidst rising tensions in the Gulf region. The Bahrain Defense Force (BFD) has emphasized that the country’s security and defense are solely under its control.
The claim follows a series of reports suggesting that the United States had established a string of military bases in Bahrain, ostensibly to counter the growing influence of Iran in the region. However, Bahraini officials have consistently maintained that their sovereignty and territorial integrity remain unblemished.
“We are responsible for the security and defense of our country,” a BFD spokesperson said in a statement. “We have a close partnership with the United States, based on mutual interests and cooperation, but this does not involve the establishment of US military bases in Bahrain.”
The statement was issued in response to recent allegations published by a regional news outlet, which claimed that the US had set up a series of secret military bases in Bahrain, including an airbase and a naval facility. The reports suggested that the bases were part of a larger strategy to deter Iranian aggression in the region.
The Bahraini government has long been a key ally of the United States in the Gulf, and the two countries have signed several agreements on security and defense cooperation. However, the presence of US military personnel and facilities on Bahraini soil has remained a topic of controversy, with some regional countries viewing it as a threat to their sovereignty.
In recent months, tensions in the Gulf region have escalated, with Iran’s proxy forces active in several countries, including Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The US has maintained a strong military presence in the region, with multiple bases in countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.
The Bahraini government’s denial of US military bases comes as a response to the escalating tensions in the region. The country’s security and defense remain a top priority, and the government has emphasized its commitment to protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The US-Bahraini alliance remains a crucial component of Washington’s strategy in the region, with both sides cooperating on a range of security and defense issues. However, the presence of US military facilities on Bahraini soil remains a sensitive topic, and the government’s denial is likely to be closely watched by regional observers.