Pentagon contradicts Trump tweets and praises Qatar for its 'enduring commitment to regional...

Last edited Tue Jun 6, 2017, 03:15 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: RawStory


Pentagon contradicts Trump tweets and praises Qatar for its ‘enduring commitment to regional security’

BRAD REED
06 JUN 2017 AT 13:13 ET

The United States Department of Defense on Tuesday contradicted President Donald Trump’s tweets by praising the nation of Qatar for its “enduring commitment to regional stability.”

After Saudi Arabia and several other Middle East countries cut diplomatic ties with Qatar over its alleged support of terrorism early on Tuesday, Trump took to Twitter to praise the Saudis’ commitment to fighting extremist ideology.

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The problem is that Qatar is also home to Al-Udeid Airbase, a key base that houses 11,000 American troops and that the U.S. military regularly uses to launch airstrikes against ISIS and other militant groups in the region.

Reuters reports that the Department of Defense on Tuesday issued a statement which said it was “grateful” for the help Qatar has provided that U.S. military, while also praising the government’s efforts to help promote “regional stability.” The Pentagon also said that Qatar’s dispute with neighboring countries in the region would have no impact on American military operations in the country.

Link to tweet