Iran launched missiles towards Diego Garcia, a contentious UK and US military base, in a 2,000-mile overnight attack, according to officials. The Middle Eastern country fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the Indian Ocean base, located 2,500 miles away, on Friday night. While one missile malfunctioned in mid-air, the other was intercepted by a US warship using an SM-3 Interceptor.
This action, occurring after the UK permitted the US to utilize its bases against Iran, once again drew attention to the base’s significance in UK-US relations since Donald Trump’s presidency. Diego Garcia, a secluded British Overseas Territory established in 1960, remains shrouded in secrecy and is mainly operated by US authorities despite being administrated from London.
Although the base houses only a few hundred military personnel permanently, including members from the US Air Force, US Navy, and British forces, its total personnel count stands at 360. The majority of personnel are from the USN and USAF, with British military presence limited to around 40 individuals. Additionally, the civilian population on the island surpasses the military numbers, with operational personnel from the US base, overseas government workers, and mariners totaling around 2,180.
Diego Garcia boasts extensive military infrastructure, primarily serving the US military, with runways supporting various aircraft, radar installations, control towers, and a deep-water port capable of docking and servicing naval vessels. The base has historically served as a launchpad, playing crucial roles in past conflicts such as the 1991 Gulf War and the Iraq War in 2003.
Recent operations include using Diego Garcia as a strategic base for launching attacks against the Houthis in Yemen, affirming its contemporary military relevance. Despite the UK negotiating a lease deal with Mauritius, valued at £3.4 billion, controversies persist, with US support for the agreement fluctuating. The uncertainty surrounding the deal has prompted Mauritius to explore legal avenues to ensure its implementation, given the significant impact on the nation’s budget.