By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Iran has launched missile attacks on American military bases in Qatar and Iraq, fulfilling its promise to retaliate after the United States bombed three key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
Iranian state media confirmed the strikes, which targeted strategic US positions including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Loud explosions were reported in Doha, with eyewitnesses describing multiple blasts throughout the city. The full extent of the damage and any casualties remains unconfirmed as of this report.
The attacks mark a sharp escalation in an already volatile regional conflict. On Sunday, the United States carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure in support of Israel, whose military campaign against Iran began on June 13. In the days since, Iranian authorities claim hundreds of civilians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes, while Israeli officials report dozens of deaths from Iranian retaliatory attacks.
Ahead of today’s missile strikes, both the US and UK governments issued urgent warnings to their citizens in Qatar, advising them to shelter in place. The US cited intelligence indicating an imminent Iranian response. Qatar has since closed its airspace to all civilian and military flights.
Tensions in the region continue to rise, with fears of a wider conflict drawing in more global powers. Tehran has vowed further retaliation if US and Israeli military actions continue. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
