Iran has attacked United States forces stationed at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, saying it was retaliating against the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. The Iranian attacks in Qatar have escalated regional tensions and prompted widespread international concern.
The strikes on Monday were confirmed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in a statement addressed to the Iranian people. Consecutive flares, coupled with loud explosions, were seen in Qatar’s capital, Doha, and other parts of the country.
Here’s what to know about the Iranian attacks in Qatar.
Why did Iran launch an attack in Qatar?
The IRGC said it launched a “powerful and devastating missile attack” as part of Operation Annunciation of Victory in response to the “blatant military aggression” by the US on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The IRGC also said its “decisive action” sent a message to the White House and its allies that Iran would, “under no circumstances, leave any aggression against its territorial integrity, sovereignty, or national security unanswered”.
“US bases and mobile military assets in the region are not points of strength, but rather major vulnerabilities,” the statement warned.
Where did Iran attack and why?
Iran said it targeted the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar because it “serves as the command centre of the US Air Force and is the largest strategic asset of the American terrorist army in West Asia”.
Tehran emphasised that the missile strike was conducted away from residential areas. “This action does not pose any threat to the friendly and brotherly country, Qatar, and its noble people,” said Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
What and where is the Al Udeid Air Base?
Al Udeid is the largest US military base in the Middle East, housing around 10,000 US troops. Located southwest of Doha, it was established in 1996 and serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command. The base is also used by the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the UK’s Royal Air Force, and other foreign forces.
How did Iran attack, and how did Qatar respond?
A US defence official told Reuters that “Al Udeid Air Base was attacked by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles originating from Iran”.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted the missiles. “At 7:30pm (1630 GMT), we received reports that seven missiles were launched from Iran toward Al Udeid Air Base,” Qatari officials said, adding the base had been evacuated.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Iranian attacks in Qatar as a “violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace”.
Was there any damage?
Qatar’s Defence Ministry confirmed no deaths or injuries occurred. Later, the Ministry of Interior stated that 19 missiles were fired, but only one hit the base, causing no casualties.
“We are proud of the response to today’s attack and no damage was reported,” officials said.
What’s happening in Qatar now?
In the lead-up to the attack, the US and UK embassies urged citizens in Qatar to shelter in place. This advisory was lifted a few hours later.
Several schools announced Tuesday closures, and exams were postponed. Qatar’s Ministry of Interior stated the situation is “completely stable” and all necessary safety measures are in place.
Public Security spokesperson Jabr al-Naimi said: “We will not allow any international or external crisis or conflict to affect our life in Qatar.”
Why was Qatar’s airspace shut, and when did it reopen?
Qatar temporarily closed its airspace as a precaution. It reopened more than five hours later.
Source: Al Jazeera
Read also: Trump orders airstrikes on Iran, destroying nuclear facilities
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel.
