Diego Garcia is once again in the news. Iran has presented a new challenge by firing a missile at this American military base located 4000 kilometers away from its border. This military base located in the Indian Ocean is very important strategically. Iran has fired two missiles here. America claims that one broke down in the air and the other was destroyed by an American interceptor.
Till now it has been believed that Iran has missiles with a range of up to two thousand kilometers. But the latest attack has revealed that his strength has increased. There has been no information about any damage in this attack, but Iran has again threatened. Also, now he can hit anywhere.
Come, let us know where is Diego Garcia on the pretext of this Iranian missile attack? What is there of America here, military bases, warships, army etc. We will also know under which country is this island? What connection does Britain have with this?
Diego Garcia is part of the Chagos Islands.
Diego Garcia is the largest island of the Chagos Islands. It is situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Geographically it is about sixteen hundred kilometers away from the southern tip of India. Due to its strategic location, this island is considered one of the most important military bases in the world. At present, it is part of Britain. America has taken it on lease from Britain.
Diego Garcia is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
America’s military base is present here
America has a huge military base in Diego Garcia. It is also known as Camp Justice. America has a joint naval and airport here. The runway here is very long. Heavy bomber aircraft like B-52, B-1 and B-2 can fly from here. This military base is America’s main hub for reaching the Middle East, South Asia and East Africa.
Warships and marines are also deployed
The number of permanently deployed US warships here is not completely fixed. This time varies according to need. However, a large fleet of pre-positioning ships is always ready. These ships are loaded with huge quantities of tanks, armored vehicles, ammunition and fuel. In times of crisis, these ships can reach the war zone in no time. The lagoon here is so deep that even aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines can easily stop in it.
Iran has targeted Diego Garcia, 4 thousand kilometers away.
Up to five thousand soldiers are always ready
The number of American soldiers deployed here is usually between three to five thousand. Among them there are soldiers of the US Navy and Air Force. Some civilian contractors also live here to help them. America often increases this number in times of war or tension. The number of American soldiers was increased here amid the ongoing tension in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is possible that America may have increased troops here even amidst the ongoing war with Iran. If it has not been done till now then it is certain that it will have been done after the current missile attack.
Importance of Diego Garcia to America
This island is called the indestructible aircraft carrier of the Indian Ocean for America. From here America keeps an eye on the whole of Asia and Africa. Many important air strikes were carried out from here during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Big stations are also installed here for communication and satellite tracking.
American military base.
Britain also deployed a small military contingent and police force
Diego Garcia is legally part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. The administration here is in the hands of Britain. Britain itself has leased this island to America. The law and order situation here is looked after by the British authorities. A small British military contingent and police force are stationed here. In recent years, Mauritius has staked its claim on this island. The International Court has also ruled in favor of Mauritius, but this order has not been implemented yet. It is still under the control of Britain.
no civilians live here
There is no permanent civilian population in Diego Garcia. The original inhabitants living here were forcibly removed in the 1960s and 70s. At present only military personnel and support staff live here. Their total number is estimated to be around five to six thousand. Since only military personnel live here, there is no one major religion here. The people living here mainly follow Christianity. There are small prayer places and chapels for soldiers on the island.
This island is known for a large American military base.
no island economy
This island has no independent economy of its own. There is no farming, industry or private business here. The entire economy here depends on military activities and the American defense budget. All essential commodities, such as food and fuel, are imported from outside.
Which countries surround the island?
To the north of this island are Maldives and India. There is open ocean towards Antarctica in the south. In the east are Indonesia and Australia and in the west are Seychelles and the coast of Africa. It is a V shaped island. Its area is approximately 27 square kilometers.
The island is full of natural beauty
Diego Garcia is rich in natural beauty, but its use is purely for strategic purposes. This island is a major center of global politics and balance of military power. This cooperation between Britain and America helps in maintaining the influence of Western countries in the Indian Ocean.
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