US halts military exercises over Gulf crisis

The US military's Central Command has announced the suspension of its participation in military exercises with "Gulf countries" over the ongoing crisis with Qatar.

In a statement to the Associated Press, Air Force Col. John Thomas, a Central Command spokesman, said: "We are opting out of some military exercises out of respect for the concept of inclusiveness and shared regional interests." 
"We will continue to encourage all partners to work together towards the sort of common solutions that enable security and stability in the region," Thomas added.

DPA adds: In June, nations in the region, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, launched moves to sever diplomatic ties with Qatar, charging that Doha supported extremist groups and had developed strong ties with Iran. Doha has denied the charges. "This is primarily a political issues between Gulf nations," a spokesman for US Central Command said in comments emailed to DPA. 
The spokesman said the cancellation will not affect the war against the Islamic State extremist group.
The US has key bases in the region, including in Qatar, which has a Central Command headquarters and is home to the Al-Udeid airbase.