The US military is moving forward with plans to build a dedicated facility in the state of Idaho to train pilots from Qatar.<\/p>\n
US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, made the announcement during a visit by Qatar’s defence minister this week.<\/p>\n
While the arrangement is not unusual, it has sparked fierce backlash from across the political spectrum in the US.<\/p>\n
Here’s what to know about the deal and why many are upset.<\/p>\n
What does the deal involve?<\/p>\n
The agreement has been in the works for years.<\/p>\n
It will see a facility built at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho to handle training and maintenance for Qatari troops.<\/p>\n
“What we expect is it to be squadron operations and hangars for the F-15QA, because that’s the Qatari version of the jet that they bought through foreign military sales,” Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek said.<\/p>\n
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Under the agreement, the Mountain Home Air Force Base will be used to train Qatari troops. (Reuters: Ken Cedeno)<\/p>\n
The facility will not amount to Qatar having its own base in the US, and all control will remain in the US military’s control.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It will be built by local construction crews, and workers will likely be employed at the base to support the training operations, Ms Stefanek said.<\/p>\n
The construction and other associated expenses will be funded by Qatar.<\/p>\n
Security at the base will continue to be handled by US Air Force personnel, she said, and anyone going to the base would still have to show the proper credentials in order to enter.<\/p>\n
What does the US get out of the agreement?<\/p>\n
The US military often works in conjunction with other allied or friendly nations on deployment, so well-trained allies can help keep US troops safe.<\/p>\n