Iran’s military said it attacked Al Udeid in Qatar, the biggest U.S. base in the Middle East. Qatar said it intercepted a rocket attack. Officials said Iran also fired on Iraq.
Iran launched missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar and at Iraq, where the U.S. keeps military facilities, officials said. The U.A.E, Bahrain and Kuwait closed their airspaces. Qatar said it intercepted a rocket attack and there were no casualties.
Iran warned Qatar prior to Monday’s attack on an American military base in the Gulf country, several Arab and other officials familiar with the situation said.
Explosions were heard in Qatar as witnesses said they saw what appeared to be missiles over the country, multiple news agencies reported.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted the U.S. base at Al Udeid in Qatar with a "devastating and powerful missile." Iranian state media earlier announced an operation launching missile attacks against U.S. bases named "Annunciation of Victory."
A spokesman for Iran's Armed Forces said the attacks on the American base in Qatar were carried out by the Revolutionary Guards Corps.
"We warn our enemies that the era of hit and run is over," said the spokesman.
Located southwest of Doha, Al-Udeid air base houses around 10,000 US troops and serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command (CENTCOM). The base supports air operations, including combat aircraft and drones, and is a hub for operations in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. It covers 24 hectares (60 acres) and hosts nearly 100 aircraft.
Iran's response defied leaders in Europe who urged Iran not to respond in a way that would “destabilize the region.” President Trump had given no ground on his demand for Iran to agree on the U.S.’s terms for a peace deal. Trump on Sunday didn’t rule out backing a change in Iran’s leadership.
Qatar has temporarily closed its airspace, forcing planes to divert away from Doha - one of the world's busiest airports. In a post on social media, Qatar said this is part of a set of precautionary measures being taken based on developments in the region.
Iran, say media reports, coordinated its strikes on US base in Qatar, prompting air space closure, to minimize casualties.
The United Arab Emirates too has joined Qatar in closing its airspace. Bahrain, a Gulf State very close to Qatar, has also suspended air traffic. And so has Kuwait.
"The Civil Aviation Affairs of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications announced the temporary suspension of air navigation in the skies of the Kingdom of Bahrain as a precautionary measure in light of recent regional developments," said a statement carried by the official Bahrain news agency.
The Indian Embassy in Doha has issued an advisory for its citizens in Qatar and said, "In view of the ongoing situation, Indian community in Qatar is urged to be cautious and remains indoors. Please remain calm and follow local news, instructions and guidance provides by Qatari authorities. The Embassy will also keep updating through our social media channels."
No comments:
Post a Comment