US to host training facility for the Qatari Air Force

WASHINGTON, Oct 10 (KUNA) -- The US will host an installation for the Qatari Air force where Qatari airmen would train on F-15 fighter jets, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday.
Hegseth, who met with Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani at the Pentagon, said the Pentagon has agreed to host a new Qatari air force facility in Idaho, saying that Doha played a "core part" in securing the Gaza peace deal.
"Today, we're announcing a letter of acceptance in building a Qatari Amiri Air Force facility at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho," Hegseth said.
The facility will train Qatari pilots in how to fly F-15 fighter jets. "The location will be host a contingent of Qatari F 15 and pilots to enhance our combined training, increase, lethality, interoperability. It's just another example of our partnership. And I hope, hope you know Your Excellency that you can count on us," he said.
On the Gaza settlement plan, he said, "No one other than President Trump could have achieved the peace that we believe will be a lasting peace. And Qatar played a substantial role from the beginning, working with our folks to ensure that came about.
"So I want to thank you for that historic peace." The defense secretary indicated that he might joint President Donald Trump in his Mideast visit in the coming days to attend the Gaza deal ceremonial signing in Egypt. (end) rsr.rk