Qatar emir visits airbase, meets CENTCOM officials

By Ahmed Yousuf

DOHA (AA) - Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Monday paid a visit to the Al-Udeid Airbase, where he inspected both Qatar’s Emiri Air Force and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces stationed there.

During his visit, the emir was briefed on the country’s air-defense systems, according to the official Qatari News Agency (QNA).

The emir also inspected aircraft deployed at the base, reviewed the Qatari air force’s operational strategy and met U.S. Air Forces CENTCOM Commander Jeffrey Harrigian, with whom he discussed bilateral defense cooperation and the fight against terrorism.

Considered one of the most important U.S. military facilities in the region, Qatar’s Al-Udeid Airbase is located 30 kilometers (18.64 miles) southwest of Qatari capital Doha and is home to numerous U.S. military personnel.