On Monday late at night, Iran launched a missile strike on the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base located in Doha, Qatar, in the escalation of regional tension. Iran’s Strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar has sent a shockwave over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Gulf world. However, the conflict between Iran and Israel has ended because both nations have agreed to a ceasefire.
Still, many people are wondering about how the attack happened. In this post, we will try to decode the incidents that led to Iran’s strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. So, without wasting time. Let’s begin.
What is Al Udeid Air Base?
It is a 24-hectare (60-acre) base in the desert outside Doha that was set up in 1996. Moreover, it serves as the forward headquarters for the US Central Command. Furthermore, it directs the US military operation in the huge swath of territory stretching from Egypt in the west to Kazakhstan in the East.
Al Udeid Air Base has the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the US Air Force, the UK’s Royal Air Force, etc. In addition, it is a home to around 10000 troops. The base was crucial in the air campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as in humanitarian missions such as the 2021 Kabul evacuation.
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How did Iran’s Strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar?
As we told you before, Iranian Missiles were launched towards the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Videos circulating on the internet showed that explosion lighting up the night sky over Doha.
However, the advanced air defence system of Qatar significantly decreased the impact of the attack. The US Defence Minister said to the Reuters news agency that Al Udeid Air Base was attacked with short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles from Iran. The US Officials reported that most of the missiles were intercepted, and no American casualties were reported.
The Lead-Up to the Attack
The tension between the US and Iran had been increasing for a week after the US attack on the Iranian nuclear site. However, these strikes aimed to restrict Iran’s nuclear ambitions and give Tehran a strong and serious response. So, Iran launched its attack on Al Udeid Air Base.
Iran said that it targets Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar because it is the demand center of the US Air Force and is the largest strategic asset of the American terrorist in West Asia. Moreover, Tehran also highlighted that the attack was performed away from the residential region in Qatar.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said that this action does not pose any threat to a strong and brotherly country, “Qatar”, and its people. The Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to maintaining and continuing warm and historic relations with Qatar.
How does Qatar respond?
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence stated that its air defense system intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at the target base. Moreover, it received information that bases in the region are being targeted, including Al Udeid Air Base. Qatar disclosed in a briefing on Monday that it had received the report that seven missiles were launched from Iran towards Al Udeid Air Base at 7:30 PM (1630 GMT).
They confirmed that the base was evacuated before the attack. In addition, its foreign minister condemned the attack and said that it is a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, airspace, and the UN charter. Moreover, the foreign minister said that they have the right to respond.
What happened after the strike?
There was no immediate military counterattack by the US after Iran’s Strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. However, Iran broadcast martial music and claimed that the attack was a successful and mighty response. However, the sign indicates that both sides have been paused at least for now.
