Amid Iran and Houthi Threats, U.S. Quietly Reduces Forces Stationed in Middle East

As Iran-related threats escalate in the Middle East, the U.S. military has reportedly been quietly reducing its troop presence in the region over the past few days.

Citing senior officials including those from the U.S. Department of Defense, CBS News reported on the 21st (local time) that the U.S. military is scaling back its force posture across various locations in the Middle East due to mounting threats from Iran and the Houthis.

This move comes on the heels of the U.S. Department of State issuing evacuation orders for some government employees stationed in Saudi Arabia in the wake of Houthi offensives targeting the country.

Reuters reported that the U.S. State Department is also preparing evacuation orders for embassy personnel in the Gulf region.

Following that report, according to CBS, U.S. embassies in several other locations across the Middle East have adjusted their personnel under "ordered departure" measures.

However, formal evacuation orders have not been applied to those locations, CBS noted.

The "ordered departure" status, introduced by the State Department during the intensification of conflict involving Iran last August, allows embassies to scale back personnel and services without completely halting operations.

In response to inquiries from CBS, U.S. Central Command Spokesperson Tim Hawkins offered a standard response, stating, "We regularly move U.S. forces and assets to optimize our mission readiness."

Hawkins added, "For operational security reasons, we do not discuss specific movements, but the U.S. military remains vigilant and prepared to protect American personnel and national interests throughout the region."

Previously, the U.S. issued travel advisories over the weekend through its embassies in Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, urging Americans to refrain from traveling to the region.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.