WASHINGTON – The Bush administration has requested a major increase in military aid to Bahrain as part of the U.S.-led war against terrorism.
The administration's request comes as the Defense Department plans to expand U.S. military assets in the kingdom. Bahrain is one of several Gulf Cooperation Council countries meant to receive aircraft and other systems that have been removed from Saudi Arabia.
Officials said the administration has requested $28.5 million in the emergency supplemental budget for fiscal 2002. The money is meant to help countries that are participating in the U.S. campaign against terrorism. Bahrain is home for the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, which patrols the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
The additional U.S. aid to Bahrain is meant to help the kingdom purchase military systems. The officials said Bahrain faces difficulties in purchasing undisclosed weapons from Washington.
menewsline.com/stories/2002/april/04_19_4.htmlE-mail this article