Uprising in Kyrgyzstan raises questions about future of US air base in Afghanistan operation

A look at the US air base in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s uprising has raised questions about the future of Manas, a U.S. air base in the Central Asian country that is key to the war in nearby Afghanistan. Here are some key facts about the facility.

—Russia, the regional powerhouse, views the base as an irritant.

—A yearlong lease on it with Kyrgyzstan’s government expires in July.

—The opposition, which now controls much of Kyrgyzstan, has previously opposed Manas. But opposition leader Roza Otunbayeva said there were no plans to review the lease and her government would meet U.S. diplomats for talks.

—The U.S.-built base began operating several months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks and is premier air mobility hub for U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

—Around-the-clock missions include aerial refueling, airlifts and airdrops, medical evacuations and general support for forces and cargo going in and out of Afghanistan.

—The main aircraft at the base are U.S., French and Spanish aerial refueling tankers.

—In 2008, Manas refueled nearly 11,500 aircraft over Afghanistan, and moved about 170,000 personnel. In March 2010, nearly 50,000 troops passed through Manas into or out of Afghanistan.

—The base has around 1,100 military personnel assigned, mostly U.S., Spanish and French troops. About 600 of the base’s 750 contract employees are locals.

—In 2008 the base contributed an estimated $64 million to the local economy. Base personnel assist local charities and one has invested nearly $200,000 in local communities.

—Public anger at the base swelled after a U.S. serviceman who allegedly shot and killed a Kyrgyz civilian in December 2006 never stood trial and returned home.

Source for facts about the base: U.S. Central Command.