Iran launched ballistic missile attacks on Monday against the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts US and allied forces, in what Tehran described as retaliation for recent American bombing of its nuclear facilities. The primary target was Al Udeid, the largest US military installation in West Asia, located southwest of Doha, there are also reports indicating that Iran has targeted the Ain al-Assad base in Iraq. Qatari and US officials reported no casualties from the attacks, as Qatar stated the base had been evacuated earlier as a precautionary measure due to rising regional tensions and its air defense systems successfully intercepted the incoming missiles.
A US defense official confirmed that Al Udeid Air Base was attacked by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles originating from Iran, stating that there were no reports of US casualties at the time. The attack occurred hours after Qatar closed its airspace and the US Embassy directed American nationals to shelter in place. Observers witnessed a battle between interceptors and incoming ballistic missiles in the sky over Qatar.
The missile attack, however, has triggered strong condemnation across West Asia and beyond. Countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Yemen, and the Palestinian Authority have all denounced Iran’s strike on the Qatari-based facility.
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has assured residents that the security situation remains stable and under control.
Amid the escalating tensions, the US State Department has issued an updated travel advisory for Kuwait, citing the volatile regional situation. The advisory comes in the wake of the broader Israel-Iran conflict, with the US Embassy in Kuwait urging increased vigilance and implementing temporary access restrictions to key American military installations, including Camp Arifjan, Camp Buehring, Ali Al Salem Air Base, and Camp Patriot. These facilities are now accessible only to essential personnel, reflecting growing concerns about the potential expansion of the conflict in this strategically significant region.
The crisis has also sent shockwaves through the aviation industry. Air India has announced the immediate suspension of all operations to West Asia. In a coordinated move, the UAE has joined Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait in closing its airspace as a precautionary measure.
In response to the developments, the Indian Embassy in Qatar has issued an advisory urging members of the Indian diaspora to stay indoors, remain calm, and closely follow updates from Qatari authorities.
