In a bold escalation of rising tensions, Iran launched a direct missile attack on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar early Monday, just 48 hours after the U.S. military carried out airstrikes on key nuclear sites inside Iran.
Missile explosions were reported near Doha, sending shockwaves across the region. Residents witnessed streaks of light overhead as air defenses sprang into action. According to Qatari officials, the incoming Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted, and no casualties have been reported.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the strike, calling it part of an operation titled “Annunciation of Victory.” In a statement, the IRGC described the missile barrage as “powerful” and “devastating,” aimed specifically at American forces stationed at the strategic Al Udeid Air Base.
A U.S. defense spokesperson confirmed that a wave of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles was launched from Iran. The official noted that the situation remains fluid, with no injuries among U.S. personnel reported so far. Thousands of troops based at Al Udeid remain under heightened alert.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the strike as a “blatant violation” of the nation’s sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter. In a statement posted online, Qatar warned it reserves the right to respond with proportional force.
Air raid alarms also sounded in nearby Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. The island nation temporarily shut down its airspace and urged citizens to take shelter as a precaution. Over 9,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed in Bahrain.
Diplomatic sources revealed that U.S. and Qatari leaders had been in urgent talks throughout the weekend, anticipating potential retaliation. The U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued a shelter-in-place order for American citizens, while Qatar closed its airspace to protect residents and travelers.
The attack marks a significant shift in Iran’s posture, directly targeting U.S. forces outside Iraq or Syria for the first time in years. As the world watches closely, fears of a broader conflict now loom larger than ever.
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