U.S., Britain pulling troops from Qatar

Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The United States and Britain are pulling troops from the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar ahead of potential U.S. military intervention against Iran. The United States is drawing down its presence in Qatar out of precaution over escalating tensions with Iran over its handling of ongoing protests. It has begun evacuating some nonessential personnel from the airbase, two U.S. military officials told The New York Times . President Donald Trump said in a social media post addressed to Iranian demonstrators on Tuesday, "help is on its way." He has warned that he may consider "very strong options" after Iranian security forces killed as many as 500 protesters in the past week. Human rights advocacy groups say more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed. Twelve children are among the victims. More than 18,434 people have been arrested. The United States is also advising U.S. travelers to exercise caution and "limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region." Troops withdrawing from the Al-Udeid air base are being placed at other facilities or in hotels in the region. This is being done to remove them from harm's way in the case that the United States mounts an attack, triggering retaliation from Iran. Iranian officials are seeking to negotiate with the United States, according to Trump. Iran warns that it may target U.S. military and shipping assets if the United States launches an attack. Read More Trump promises help as 12,000 Iranians thought dead Trump announces 25% tariff on countries that do business with Iran Trump says Tehran seeking talks but warns U.S. may need to act first

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