 The United States military relied on the UAE bases for assistance during the Gulf War and the recent conflict in Iraq.The Australian Defence Force has used Al Minhad as their main transport and logistics hub in the Middle East since the withdrawal of Australian combat forces from Iraq in 2008.The RAAF had operated AP-3C Orions from the base from 2003 to support operations in the region, however it was not until 2008 when an agreement was signed which allowed Australia to command its regional headquarters there.