There are no known American casualties or damage to the US base in Qatar following the Iranian ballistic missile attack on the facility on Monday, a US defence official said.
“I can confirm that Al Udeid Air Base was attacked by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles originating from Iran today. At this time, there are no reports of US casualties,” the official said.
“We are not aware of any damage to the installation at this time,” the defence official added.
Chronicle NG reports that Iran launched a missile attack on United States military installations in Qatar and Iraq on Monday evening, in what its state-run media described as a forceful retaliation against recent American airstrikes on her nuclear facilities.
The Iranian attack occurred after Washington’s forces bombed three of Tehran’s nuclear sites over the weekend.
The vast Al Udeid complex, which houses thousands of American personnel, serves as the forward headquarters for the US Central Command, as well as its aviation and special operations forces.
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), “The operation of Iranian missiles against American bases located in Qatar and in Iraq has begun and is called ‘Blessing of Victory’.”
AFP reporters in Doha, Qatar’s capital, reported hearing loud explosions. Doha is home to the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East.
Responding to the developments, Qatari authorities confirmed that their defence systems intercepted the incoming missiles aimed at the US base.
“The Ministry of Defence announced that Qatari air defences successfully intercepted a missile attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base,” a government statement read, noting further that “the incident did not result in any deaths or injuries”.
This missile strike marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States, following recent confrontations linked to alleged sabotage at nuclear facilities within Iran.
The situation remains fluid, with international observers watching closely for potential retaliatory responses from the US or its allies in the region.
