Iran and Israel are face to face once again. There is an emergency like situation in both the countries. Missiles are being fired at each other. There is chaos all around. Air space is closed. Meanwhile, Iran has caused massive destruction on American bases in Gulf countries. There is an atmosphere of panic after the news of the death of Iran’s supreme leader Khomeini in an Israeli attack. Amidst the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, the name of CENTCOM Force is in the headlines again and again.
Let us understand in detail what is Centcom? How does it work? In how many countries is it deployed and what is the benefit to America from it?
What is Centcom Force?
This is the face of American military power that monitors the world’s most sensitive and troubled region. The full name of CENTCOM is United States Central Command. It is one of the 11 combatant commands of the US Defense Department Pentagon. The US Army has divided the entire world into different geographical areas.
CENTCOM is responsible for a specific area among them. Its headquarters is located at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. However, it also has a main forward headquarters at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. This command works closely with the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.
Centcom was established on January 1, 1983.
Why was it created?
Centcom was established on January 1, 1983. There were many historical and strategic reasons behind its construction. After the fall of the Shah in Iran and the Islamic Revolution, America felt a threat to its interests in the region. In 1979, the Soviet Union attacked Afghanistan.
America feared that Soviet troops could reach the oil-rich Gulf countries. A large part of the world’s oil supply comes from this region. America wanted stability in the region so that the global economy was not affected. Earlier America did not have any dedicated command for this region. Centcom was formed to immediately send troops in times of crisis. It follows the orders of the US President and Defense Secretary.
At present, a total of 21 countries are included in the responsibility of CENTCOM.
What is the main function of CENTCOM?
CENTCOM’s functions are very extensive and complex. The main tasks of this organization are to maintain peace in the Middle East and Central Asia, conduct operations against Al-Qaeda, ISIS and other extremist groups, keep important sea routes like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea open, etc. Its objectives also include providing military assistance to friendly countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia and Jordan and monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities and the militia groups it supports. Conducting relief work during war or natural disaster is also included in the objectives of this special organization.
In how many countries is it active?
At present, a total of 21 countries are included in the responsibility of CENTCOM. These countries are spread in the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of South Asia. Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan and Yemen etc. America has many military bases in these countries. The US military has a large presence in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and UAE.
There were several historical and strategic reasons behind the creation of CENTCOM.
What benefit does America get from this?
CENTCOM acts as a strategic shield for America. Its following benefits are stated.
- Control over oil and energy: Most of the world’s crude oil passes through this region. Centcom ensures that there is no interruption in the oil supply line. If these routes are closed, global oil prices could skyrocket, causing huge losses to the US economy.
- Israel’s security: Israel is America’s closest ally. CENTCOM provides security cover to Israel from all sides. Recently, CENTCOM played a big role in stopping the missile attacks by Iran.
- Ending terrorism: After the 9/11 attacks, America realized that it had to be active in these countries. Through CENTCOM, America works on the strategy of destroying its enemies at their own home.
- Competition between China and Russia: China and Russia want to increase their influence in Central Asia and the Middle East. The presence of CENTCOM helps in curbing the expansionism of these countries.
- Intelligence: CENTCOM’s network provides America with moment-to-moment information about this region. With this, America remains prepared in advance against any possible threat.
CENTCOM’s role in tensions with Iran
Currently, CENTCOM is at the forefront of the war going on between Iran and Israel. Whenever Iran-backed groups Hezbollah, Houthi and Hamas attack US bases or allies, CENTCOM comes to the forefront and retaliates. Iran considers CENTCOM a terrorist organization, while the US has declared Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as terrorists. This conflict keeps the region on the brink of war.
CENTCOM is not just a military force, but it is a symbol of American dominance in the Middle East. It acts as America’s eyes and ears in the most troubled region of the world. As long as the conflict over oil, religion and politics continues in the region, CENTCOM will remain relevant. For America, this command is the most important tool to maintain its image as a global superpower.
Also read: How is the Supreme Leader of Iran chosen? Questions raised after Khamenei’s death