US Confirms Iranian Missile Attack On Al Udeid Air Base In Qatar, No Casualties

Washington: The United States has officially confirmed that the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar was attacked by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles originating from Iran. The attack, which occurred on Monday, has raised tensions in the region and raised concerns about further escalation in the Middle East conflict. According to a statement released by the US military, there are no reports of US casualties in the attack. 

The dramatic missile attack by Iran on the US Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar raised concerns about further escalation of tensions in the already tense Middle East. The attack, which consisted of short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles, marked a big turn of events in the region.

According to the US statement, "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. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide more information as it becomes available."

The Al-Udeid Air Base, housing thousands of US personnel, serves as the regional headquarters of the Pentagon's Central Command (CENTCOM). Iran's Revolutionary Guard confirmed the operation, naming it ‘Operation Glad Tidings of Victory’ and stating it was a direct response to the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities over the weekend.

Videos shared on social media showed interceptors lighting up the night sky over central Doha, with several loud blasts heard in the background. Qatar's air defence systems successfully intercepted the missiles, and no casualties were reported. The Qatari government condemned the attack, calling it a "clear breach of Qatari sovereignty and airspace" and warning that such an act will not go unanswered.

Qatar's Stern Warning

Qatar's Foreign Ministry issued a statement, saying, "We consider this a brazen aggression and affirm Qatar's right to respond directly in line with the nature and scale of the attack." The government also stressed that such acts of escalation risk pulling the region into wider conflict, warning of "catastrophic consequences for international peace and security".

Iran's Supreme National Security Council issued a statement hours later, saying the strike on the Al-Udeid base was aimed carefully, away from civilian zones. Iran insisted the action was not intended to harm Qatar or its people, emphasising that their relations with Qatar remain warm and rooted in history.

The US has raised its alert levels, and Iraq has activated its air defence system at the Ain al-Asad base amid fears of a strike. 

The situation is being closely monitored. Further details regarding the Iranian missile attack are awaited.