UK withdraws some personnel from Qatar air base, source says

An Iranian official says Tehran has warned neighbours it will hit American bases if Washington strikes

Military vehicles of US soldiers are seen at the al-Asad air base in Anbar province, Iraq, Jan 13, 2020. REUTERS/John Davison/File Photo

Britain is withdrawing some personnel from an air base in Qatar, a source familiar with the matter said on Wednesday, mirroring similar moves by the United States at bases in the Middle East after an Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbours it would hit American bases if Washington strikes.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said the department did not comment on details of basing and deployments due to security.

"The UK always puts precautionary measures in place to ensure the security and safety of our personnel, including where necessary withdrawing personnel," the spokesperson added.