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The American television network Fox News had reported, citing confidential sources, the threat of an "imminent" attack fromIran at the military base USA in Qatar. Now the attack has begun, triggering an international alert and fueling strong concerns about a possible increase in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region. Here are the latest developments.
Iran ready to strike: US base evacuated in Qatar, flights diverted
American television Fox, citing anonymous sources, reported a threat of "imminent" attack against the American base of Al-Udeid, located in Qatar. In response, the US embassy in the Gulf country issued a urgent notice urging all American citizens to stay in their homes until new provisions.
In the official message, the diplomatic representation specifies that this precaution is adopted out of an abundance of caution and did not provide further details on the nature of the threat. The United States is preparing for possible retaliation after the recent bombing of three major Iranian nuclear facilities, an action that has further exacerbated tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Al-Udeid base, which is the largest US military facility in the region, hosts approximately 10.000 soldiers and is home to the forward headquarters of the U.S. Central Command. It has also played a key role in military missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. Inaugurated in the 1996 with an investment of approximately one billion dollars, it hosts a fleet of almost 100 aircraft, representing a primary operational center for the United States in the region.
According to initial information, the data from Flightradar already highlight a Change in the routes of some flights to Doha, which are deviating in response to the tensions being defined. at Doha-Hamad, Manama and Dammam airports.
Doha's Hamad International Airport, recognized as a crucial global hub, connects major routes between Europe, Asia and Africa. Qatar is also home to the U.S. military base at Al Udeid, the largest and most strategic U.S. installation in the entire region, a vital hub for American operations in the Middle East.
Iran Launches Attack on US Base in Qatar
As reported by Axios, citing Israeli sources, the attack has begun and was carried out with several missiles directed against the American military structure.
The air defense system has been activated at the US base of Ain al-Asad, located in Iraq, as reported by Reuters through military sources. In parallel, Iranian state television announced the launch operation named "Glad Tidings of Victory“, aimed at hitting US forces present at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar.
A White House official told Fox News and The United States is following the threats very closely aimed at their installation in Qatar. According to Israeli sources cited by Axios, Iran would have launched at least ten missiles against American bases located in Qatar, marking the beginning of a retaliation against Al-Udeid, near Doha. Confirmation of this operation also comes from Iranian state television, reported by the Tass agency.
In addition to the base in Qatar, another US military facility in Iraq was hit during this Iranian military response to the raids on Iranian sites. Axios reported that among the installations affected is the Ain al-Asad base, already the target of an Iranian attack on January 8, 2020, in what was the Islamic Republic's reaction to the killing of General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. This new episode therefore marks a new escalation of tensions in the region, with Iran responding forcefully to US attacks.
Le Alarm sirens have been activated at U.S. bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait. The Iranian armed forces announced that will respond firmly to any aggression towards Iranian territory, without exceptions, as reported by the agency Tasnim. In Bahrain, sirens began to sound, while residents were promptly urged to seek the safest shelter available nearby.
Iran, Qatar clash over alleged missile attack on Al Udeid airbase
Iran's Supreme National Security Council has Iran has successfully struck and destroyed a US air base located in Qatar. However, The Qatari government has denied this version, claiming to have effectively neutralized the missile attack launched by Iran, without reporting any casualties or damage.
In an official statement, the Qatari Ministry of Defense said that the national air defense system intervened promptly, intercepting and repelling the missiles aimed at the Al Udeid base, one of the main U.S. military outposts in the region. The conflicting statements fuel further tensions and uncertainties about the true extent of the episode.
Trump ready to strengthen US commitment
A senior White House official revealed to CNN that US President Donald Trump is ready to increase US military commitment if the situation requires. This statement underscores a potential shift in Washington's strategy, in response to ongoing international developments. The CNN further reports that Trump is expected at a meeting with the heads of national security, during which he could review and modify his current position on military intervention. This meeting will be instrumental in defining the future direction of US foreign policy.
“The sites we hit in Iran they were completely destroyed, and everyone knows it. Only fake news would say anything different to try to humiliate as much as possible – and even they say they were 'practically destroyed!'”, President Trump says on Truth.