Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has claimed that her refusal to allow the US to establish a military base on St Martin’s Island contributed to her political downfall. According to a letter allegedly attributed to Hasina, she suggested that ceding control of the island could have helped her maintain power. However, Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, has denied these claims, and the US State Department has stated that no discussions regarding St Martin’s Island occurred during Hasina’s tenure.
Despite the allegations, the US does maintain a significant global military presence. As of September 2022, the US had approximately 171,736 active-duty military personnel stationed in 178 countries, with major concentrations in Japan (53,973 troops), Germany (35,781 troops), and South Korea (25,372 troops). The US operates around 750 military bases across at least 80 countries, although some estimates suggest the actual number could be higher.
Many of these bases were established post-World War II, with a significant expansion during the Korean War and Cold War. In recent years, the US has also increased its military presence in the Middle East and the South China Sea. The US has further expanded its footprint in the Philippines, with access to nine military camps following a deal struck in February 2023.
Notably, the US Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, located in the British Indian Ocean Territory, is of particular interest to India. This base is crucial for US military strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. Diego Garcia, along with Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, serves as a key site for US military operations in the area.
The UK has historically provided Diego Garcia to the US under favorable terms, but recent discussions are underway to return the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritian control.
