Middle East Security Summit: General McKenzie’s Five-Day Tour to Strengthen Military Alliances Against Regional Threats
Washington - General Michael Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), embarked on a five-day tour of the Middle East (April 1-5), meeting with senior military commanders in Israel, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia to discuss enhancing security cooperation, addressing shared threats, and increasing military interoperability. This trip comes at a time when tensions in the Red Sea and Houthi attacks on commercial vessels are posing significant security challenges in the region.
Weezharoz– Discussions included:A meeting with Major General Eyal Zamir, Commander of the Israel Defense Forces’ Ground Forces, to address security threats from Iran and joint plans to combat Hamas and Hezbollah.
Emphasis on deepening military partnerships and enhancing defense capabilities, including drone and anti-missile projects.
Talks with Major General Yousef Al-Huneiti, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Jordan, about the security situation along Syria’s borders and cooperation in combating arms smuggling.
Joint training proposals for Jordanian forces on electronic warfare.
In Qatar, discussions with General Jassim Al-Mannai focused on the role of Al Udeid Air Base in regional operations and coordination to protect shipping in the Persian Gulf.
In the UAE, General Kurilla met with Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, National Security Adviser, and agreed to increase U.S. military presence in Abu Dhabi and Dubai bases.
A meeting with General Fayad Al-Ruweili, Chief of General Staff of Saudi Arabia, discussed strengthening air defense and maritime operations against Houthi forces.
An unexpected meeting with Major General Sagheer Aziz, Chief of General Staff of Yemen (Saudi-backed government), to discuss joint operations to “restore freedom of navigation” in the Red Sea.
General Kurilla stressed the importance of confronting Iranian involvement in arming the Houthis and praised recent U.S. naval operations in the Red Sea.
He called for greater coordination between Saudi and U.S. naval forces to safeguard shipping lanes.
During his visit, General Kurilla also met with U.S. soldiers stationed at Al Udeid (Qatar) and Al-Saidiya bases, praising their role in maintaining regional stability.
He announced plans to enhance joint exercises under the “Thunder of the East” program.
This visit is viewed as a significant step toward forming an “Arab NATO,” with Saudi Arabia and the UAE at the core, aimed at reducing reliance on the U.S. for military operations.
All discussions centered on curbing Iran’s influence in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria.
The U.S. aims to bolster its military presence in Qatar and the UAE to prevent economic and military encroachment by regional rivals in the Persian Gulf.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the visit as an “effort to escalate tensions,” warning that any attack on Iranian interests would be met with a “strong response.”
Houthi spokesmen also remarked that “America and its allies will never restore the security of the Red Sea.”
Weezharoz
