In pictures: US desert base grows

Satellite images have revealed large scale construction work on a huge US base in the Gulf state of Qatar - which could be used in any possible military action against Iraq.

January 2002 and signs of construction work at the Al Udeid base are clear [Picture: DigitalGlobe/ Global Security]

June 2002 and tanker planes sit on a newly-completed aircraft parking area [Picture: DigitalGlobe/ Global Security.org]

These large buildings are believed to hold tanks and other armoured vehicles [Picture: DigitalGlobe/ Global Security.org]

Large numbers of other military vehicles can be seen parked [Picture: DigitalGlobe/ Global Security.org]

This "tent city" is believed to be home to over 3,000 US personnel [Picture: DigitalGlobe/ Global Security.org]

This large structure is a hardened concrete aircraft shelter [Picture: DigitalGlobe/ Global Security.org]

This cluster of concrete "igloos" is believed to house ammunition [Picture: DigitalGlobe/ Global Security.org]