Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — Kuwait has played a major role in the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.

The U.S. military’s Central Command reported that Kuwait served as a hub for logistics for the war in Afghanistan.

Centcom said Kuwait was expanding its military cooperation with the United States.

“A long-time partner and strong ally in the region, Kuwait provides critical support for U.S. troops and equipment, and it is playing a significant role in the retrograde of equipment from Afghanistan,” Centcom chief Gen. Lloyd Austin said.

In testimony to the House Armed Services Committee on March 5, Austin cited the U.S. military presence in Kuwait, estimated at 15,000. The general, who did not provide details, also said Kuwait agreed to hosting a major U.S. exercise in 2015.

“For the first time, Kuwait committed to hosting the U.S. multilateral exercise, Eagle Resolve 2015, which will further bolster regional cooperative defense efforts,” Austin said.

Kuwait has been designated a major non-NATO ally, which hosted the U.S.
3rd Army. Austin said the Gulf Cooperation Council sheikdom would continue
U.S. military ties despite the rise of the Islamic opposition and the
growing threat from neighboring Iraq.

“Looking ahead, we can expect to enjoy strong relations with the Kuwaiti
military, built upon many years of trust shared since the liberation of
Kuwait in 1991,” Austin said.

  Centcom cites Kuwait as ‘strong ally’ to U.S. in Afghanistan, GCC, Gen. Lloyd Austin, House Armed Services Committee, plays key role in Afghanistan mission