Washington, DC — The US State Department has confirmed to Middle East Eye that it plans to shut down a military camp in Qatar, which currently houses around 1,000 Afghans awaiting relocation to the United States.
In a written statement, a State Department spokesperson said that all Afghan residents will be relocated from the camp by March 31, and the facility will be fully closed by the end of the current fiscal year. The spokesperson added, “Moving the CAS population to a third country is a positive resolution that provides safety.”
Relocation Ensures Safety and Stability
The US emphasized that relocating Afghan refugees from Qatar to the United States or third countries ensures their safety and provides a stable environment during the resettlement process. Officials explained that this is part of broader humanitarian and resettlement efforts following the return of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to power.
Thousands of Afghans were previously transferred to temporary facilities in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries to facilitate safe resettlement in the United States.
US Commitment to Humanitarian Assistance
The State Department noted that the closure of the camp represents a significant step in US efforts to relocate Afghans safely. Officials stressed that continuous coordination with partner nations ensures smooth transfers and reflects the United States’ ongoing commitment to humanitarian responsibility.
This program highlights US efforts to support vulnerable populations, provide secure passage, and contribute to regional stability in the aftermath of political changes in Afghanistan.