Victor EzejaIran has launched missiles at the United States’ airbases in Qatar and Iraq.
According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the attack was in response to the U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear sites on Saturday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelQatar has confirmed the attack on the US-run Al Udeid base. It described the attack as a “flagrant violation,” adding that it reserves the right to respond directly.
It said no casualties have been recorded so far.
Meanwhile, Qatar has temporarily closed its airspace and US and UK citizens have been advised to shelter in place.
Iran had earlier threatened to retaliate against the US after strikes on its nuclear sites over the weekend.
U.S. missile attacks on the Middle East country, formally joining the war between Israel and Iran, which began in the penultimate week.
A Reuters report cited a US military official, who claimed no Iranian attacks have been detected at any other U.S. airbase apart from in Qatar.
Reuters quoted Military sources, which said that air defence systems were activated at the al Asad airbase in Iraq for fear of a potential attack.
Bahrain Alerts Residents To Seek Shelter
Elsewhere in Bahrain, a neighbouring country to Qatar, has alerted residents to seek shelter following the attack.
In a post on X, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior urged residents to seek refuge in a building or other covered areas until the threat subsides.
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About Al Udeid base in Qatar
US Central Command’s air operations in the Middle East are based at Al Udeid, which is close to Doha, the capital of Qatar, and is home to almost 8,000 US soldiers.
The base, also known as Abu Nakhla Airport, is also used by British forces.
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In addition to having the longest air landing strip in the Gulf, the facility currently houses the US operations’ headquarters and logistics base in Iraq.
In 2000, Qatar opened the Al Udeid base to the United States. According to London-based intelligence company Grey Dynamics, Doha and Washington signed an agreement in December 2002 that formally acknowledged the US military’s presence at the Al Udeid facility after the Americans took over as base managers in 2001.
According to a CNN report, in 2024, the United States signed an agreement with Qatar for a ten-year extension of its military presence in the country.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
