During a press conference held in Doha, Qatar, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin credited Egypt and Qatar for their pivotal roles in facilitating the successful release of hostages in Gaza.
Secretary Austin expressed gratitude for the significant contributions made by both countries, highlighting their instrumental efforts in resolving the complex hostage situation.
Furthermore, Secretary Austin underscored the strategic importance of supporting the capabilities of the US Al Udeid Air Base, situated in Qatar. He emphasized that such support would have lasting benefits for US forces over the coming years, underscoring the strategic significance of the base in the region.
Within the press conference, Secretary Austin also addressed the global repercussions of Houthi attacks, noting their adverse effects on the global economy. The statement suggests a broader concern regarding the impact of Houthi actions beyond regional security implications, indicating the multifaceted challenges posed by such incidents.
