American military aircraft arriving at Al-Dhafra Air Base is normal, part of pre-determined timetables, says UAE’s defense ministry LONDON: The UAE’s Ministry of Defence has denied media reports that the US is building up its military presence at Al-Dhafra Air Base in the country. The Emirates News Agency, or WAM, reported the MoD saying in a statement on Thursday that the claims are “baseless” and that US military aircraft have been arriving at Al-Dhafra Air Base for several months on a routine basis. This is in accordance with pre-determined timetables and within the framework of the military cooperation between the UAE and the US, reported WAM. The MoD stated that the arrival of US military aircraft at Al-Dhafra Air Base is “not at all related to the developments currently taking place in the region.” The statement comes after some media outlets reported that the US was sending additional military aircraft to Al-Dhafra Air Base in support of Israel. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Biden administration ordered that some aircraft be stationed in the UAE “to defend Israel and deter further attacks.” The reports have raised concern in some quarters over the possibility of the UAE becoming involved in a conflict between Israel and its neighbors. However, the UAE has repeatedly stated that it is committed to neutrality and that it does not want to get involved in any regional conflicts, as reflected in the MoD’s statement. The UAE and the US have a long-standing military relationship. The Al-Dhafra Air Base is home to US aircraft and is used by American forces for operations in the Middle East and beyond. The UAE is also a member of the US-led coalition against Daesh. The UAE has provided military and financial support to the coalition and has played a key role in the fight against terrorism.