Iran attacks US bases in Qatar, Iraq
Iran’s Tasnim news agency says a missile operation targeting US bases in Qatar and Iraq has begun. The operation, it said, is called “Annunciation of Victory”.
- Iran had pledged to attack the US bases and the military personnel in the Middle East after Washington hit its nuclear sites on Sunday.
- The US and UK embassies in Qatar had earlier released statements recommending citizens in Qatar to shelter in place until further notice.
- Qatar said it shut down its airspace temporarily as part of the measures taken to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
- Flares were seen over Doha as missile defence systems of the Al Udeid Air Base were apparently seen launching into the sky.
- Loud explosions were heard all around the capital.
- Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed the attack on the Al Udeid base.
The Iranian Supreme National Security Council says that the missile strike against the Al Udeid Air Base was away from residential areas in Qatar.
“This action does not pose any threat to the friendly and brotherly country, Qatar, and its noble people, and the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to maintaining and continuing warm and historic relations with Qatar,” the council said in a statement.
Qatar condemned the attack as a blatant violation of its sovereignty.
An unprecedented, choreographed attack
Many analysts think this could be a kind of choreographed attack – that is, the US was informed in advance, just like in 2020 when Iran retaliated for the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, and Iran was reportedly aware in advance of the attack on Fordow.
Muhanad Seloom, an assistant professor in critical security studies at the Doha Institute, says the significance of the attack is the escalation of the confrontation between Iran and the US, stressing that it is the first time ever Iran targeted US bases outside Iraq.
“They did that in the past in Iraq, and that country has been a battleground between the US and Iran probably since 2003,” he said, stressing that those attacks have been “normalised”. “Now, this is going way beyond Iraq by attacking a third country such as Qatar.”
He reminded that the Al Udeid Air Base, which was already evacuated, not only has US troops but also Qatari troops.
Qatar says one missile hit Al Udeid Air Base, no casualties
Qatar has confirmed that a total of 19 missiles were fired from Iran. It added that only one of those hit Al Udeid Air Base, but caused no casualties.
Qatar’s Defence Ministry says its air defence systems successfully intercepted missiles targeting the Al Udeid Air Base. In a statement, the ministry said the incident resulted in no deaths or injuries, crediting “the vigilance of the armed forces and precautionary measures taken”.
The ministry reassured the public that Qatari airspace and territory remain safe and that its armed forces are fully prepared to handle any threat.
Qatar says missile targeting Al Udeid was intercepted, no casualties reported
Qatar’s Defence Ministry says its air defence systems successfully intercepted missiles targeting the Al Udeid Air Base. In a statement, the ministry said the incident resulted in no deaths or injuries, crediting “the vigilance of the armed forces and precautionary measures taken”.
The ministry reassured the public that Qatari airspace and territory remain safe and that its armed forces are fully prepared to handle any threat.
It was all for show as we already know now (ceasefire)
