US aims to boost global military presence with new bases in key locations

New Delhi/Washington (The Uttam Hindu): The United States is working on a new strategy to maintain its military dominance across the globe. According to reports, the United States already controls at least 750 military bases, including military, naval, and air bases, in 80 countries around the world. This figure could be even higher, as the Pentagon has never released all the data publicly.

The US has a total of 1.3 million troops, of which 13%, or 172,000, are permanently deployed in these 80 countries. Now, the US wants to build four new, strategically important bases to gain complete control of the world.

These are the four locations that America is eyeing:

1. Bagram Air Base (Afghanistan)

Bagram Air Base is located in the Parwan Province of Afghanistan. It was a major Soviet military base in the 1980s, but was captured by the US military in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks. The US had to abandon the base after the Taliban came to power.

It is one of the most strategic locations in the world, located between South Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia. It is very close to the borders of Iran, Pakistan, China's Xinjiang province, and Russia. It has two 11,000-foot-long runways that can handle even large aircraft like B-52 bombers.

2. Near Chabahar-Gwadar (Iran-Pakistan):

A top Iranian adviser has claimed that the US is seeking to build new military bases near Iran's Chabahar port and Pakistan's Gwadar port. It is believed that the US could build an airbase or naval base in the Pasni region on Pakistan's Makran coast.

The region's geographical location, near the Gulf of Oman and crucial to global trade routes, is a key driver of US interest. Furthermore, the US wants a presence here to counter China's growing influence in Gwadar.

3. Military Base in Gaza (Israel)

The US is planning a large military base in Israel near the Gaza border. This base will house international troops, reportedly to help maintain peace and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

According to reports, the base will house approximately 10,000 troops and cost approximately $500 million (approximately Rs. 4,000 crores). The base will be operational for 12 months and completely self-sufficient. Analysts believe the base will also help the US maintain military and political pressure on Iran.

4. Damascus Airbase (Syria)

Recent reports indicate that the US is planning to deploy troops to Damascus Airbase in Syria. This is intended to monitor the Israel-Syria security agreement. The base will be used for surveillance, logistics, refueling, and humanitarian operations.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, there are currently 40,000 to 50,000 US troops deployed in 19 different locations in the Middle East. The US already has eight military bases in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.