Iran has attacked United States forces stationed on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, saying it was retaliating in opposition to the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear websites.
The assaults on Monday have been confirmed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in a press release addressed to the Iranian folks.
Consecutive flares, coupled with loud explosions, have been seen in Qatar’s capital, Doha, and different elements of the nation.
Right here’s what to know concerning the Iranian assaults in Qatar.
Why did Iran launch an assault in Qatar?
The IRGC, in its statement, mentioned it launched a “highly effective and devastating missile assault” as a part of Operation Annunciation of Victory in response to the “blatant army aggression” by the US on Iran’s nuclear services.
The IRGC additionally mentioned its “decisive motion” despatched a message to the White Home and its allies that Iran would, “certainly not, depart any aggression in opposition to its territorial integrity, sovereignty, or nationwide safety unanswered”.
“US bases and cell army belongings within the area should not factors of power, however somewhat main vulnerabilities,” the assertion warned.
The place did Iran assault and why?
Iran mentioned it focused the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as a result of it “serves because the command centre of the US Air Power and is the most important strategic asset of the American terrorist military in West Asia”.
Tehran additionally famous that the missile strike was carried out away from residential areas in Qatar.
“This motion doesn’t pose any menace to the pleasant and brotherly nation, Qatar, and its noble folks, and the Islamic Republic of Iran stays dedicated to sustaining and persevering with heat and historic relations with Qatar,” Iran’s Supreme Nationwide Safety Council mentioned in a press release.
What and the place is the Al Udeid Air Base?
Al Udeid is the most important US army base within the Center East, housing roughly 10,000 US troops.
The 24-hectare (60-acre) base, positioned within the desert southwest of Doha, was arrange in 1996. It serves because the ahead headquarters for US Central Command, which directs US army operations in an enormous swath of territory stretching from Egypt within the west to Kazakhstan within the east.
The bottom homes the Qatar Emiri Air Power, the US Air Power, the UK’s Royal Air Power and different international forces.
How did Iran assault, and the way did Qatar reply?
A US defence official, quoted by the Reuters information company, mentioned that “Al Udeid Air Base was attacked by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles originating from Iran”.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence, in the meantime, mentioned its air defence programs efficiently intercepted the Iranian missiles focusing on the bottom.
Qatar mentioned it obtained data that bases within the area are being focused, together with Al Udeid Air Base.
“At 7:30pm (1630 GMT), we obtained experiences that seven missiles have been launched from Iran towards Al Udeid Air Base,” Qatari officers mentioned in a briefing in a while Monday.
They confirmed that Al Udeid Air Base was evacuated earlier than the assault.
Its International Ministry decried the assault, saying it’s a “violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace and the UN constitution”, and that Doha reserves the appropriate to reply.
Was there any injury after Iran’s assault?
Qatar’s Defence Ministry confirmed that the incident resulted in no deaths or accidents.
In a later press briefing, Qatar’s Ministry of Inside confirmed {that a} whole of 19 missiles have been fired from Iran. It added that solely a type of hit Al Udeid Air Base, however induced no casualties.
“We’re pleased with the response to immediately’s assault and no injury was reported,” Qatari officers mentioned.
What’s taking place in Qatar because of the Iranian assault?
Within the hours main as much as the assault, the embassies of the US and the UK in Qatar launched statements urging residents in Qatar to shelter in place till additional discover.
Nevertheless, the advisory was lifted just a few hours after the assaults had ceased.
A number of British, American and European faculties within the nation mentioned they might stay closed on Tuesday.
Qatar’s Ministry of Schooling mentioned all exams set to happen on Tuesday had been rescheduled for Wednesday.
Throughout its briefing, Qatar’s Ministry of Inside mentioned the state of affairs within the nation was “fully steady” and that each one authorities are working in coordination to make sure the protection of the general public.
Jabr al-Naimi from Qatar’s Public Safety mentioned the protection of residents, residents, and residents is of the “utmost precedence”.
“We won’t enable any worldwide or exterior disaster or battle to have an effect on our life in Qatar,” he mentioned in a televised press convention.
Qatar’s International Ministry additionally mentioned life goes again to “regular” following the assault, and has reiterated its name for opponents to barter.
Why was Qatar’s airspace shut, and when did it reopen?
Qatar shut down its airspace quickly, saying it was “a part of the measures taken to make sure the protection of residents and guests.”
It was reopened greater than 5 hours later.
