US opens new air defense operations cell at Qatar base that Iran targeted in retaliatory attack

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Greg Norman-DiamondJanuary 13, 2026 at 05:02 PM

AI Summary

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The U.S. military and its regional partners have opened a new air defense operations cell at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a location previously targeted by Iran. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the initiative, stating it aims to enhance integrated air and missile defense coordination across the Middle East. The new Middle Eastern Air Defense – Combined Defense Operations Cell is located within the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) and includes personnel from the U.S. and partner nations. The CAOC, established over 20 years ago, already includes representatives from 17 nations coordinating air operations in the region. The cell will focus on planning exercises, conducting drills, responding to contingencies, and sharing threat warnings. Al Udeid Air Base, home to 10,000 American forces, serves as a logistical hub for the U.S. mission against ISIS.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

ISIS 35% Syria 40% Iraq 45% Donald Trump 50% Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) ×255% Adm. Brad Cooper 60% Middle East ×465% U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) ×670% Al Udeid Air Base ×275% Qatar ×480% Iran ×785% United States ×1090%

Keywords

air defense 90% missile defense 80% al udeid air base 70% regional defense cooperation 70% u.s. central command 70% iran 70% middle east 60% retaliatory attack 50% integrated air and missile defense 50% combined air operations center 40%