American warships on military exercise in Qatar

Two US Navy ships arrived in Doha to participate in a joint military exercise with the Qatar Navy a few days after US President Donald Trump accused Qatar of "funding terrorism at a very high level." Qatar is the host of the largest US military base in the Middle East. More than 11,000 soldiers serve at the al-Udeid Air Base. More than 100 planes leave from this base.

The Katar news agency has announced the arrival of ships at a time when Qatar signed a contract for the purchase of F-15 fighters from the US, worth $ 12 billion. The treaty was signed by Qatar and US Defense Ministers Khalid Al Attiyah and Jim Mattis in Washington, reports the QNA. It is unclear whether the arrival of two warships in Doha is planned before the Gulf crisis or is a sign of Pentagon support. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and several other states broke up with Qatar earlier this month, accusing him of supporting armed groups and Iran. Qatar has repeatedly rejected these allegations on several occasions.

Closing airspace

Saudi Arabia also closed the border with Qatar. It is the only land border that Qatar has. In addition, the closure of the Saudi, Bahrain and Emirates airspace for Qatar airline flights is hindered by air cargo and imports of goods. Last week, the Pentagon praised Qatar for the fact that it hosted the US air base and because of its "dedication to regional security". This attitude of the Pentagon differs from President Trump's comment. "The state of Qatar has unfortunately regained terrorism at a very high level in the past," Trump said earlier this month.

"We have to stop financing terrorism. It's time to appeal to Qatar to stop funding."

• 15 Jun, 2017
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