Iranian ballistic missile confirmed strike on Al-Udeid Air Base (Qatar) — largest US military installation in Middle East
Iranian ballistic missile confirmed strike on Al-Udeid Air Base (Qatar) — largest US military installation in Middle East
Qatar Defense Ministry confirmed one of two Iranian ballistic missiles struck Al-Udeid Air Base, home to approximately 10,000 US military personnel and headquarters of US Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT). Qatar intercepted one missile; the second hit the base. No casualties reported. IRGC separately claimed destruction of Al-Udeid’s FP132 early warning radar system (assessed $1.1 billion value), though satellite imagery has not independently confirmed radar destruction. NYT satellite analysis confirmed damage to military communications infrastructure at sites across five countries including Al-Udeid. Al-Udeid is the nerve center for all US air operations in the region including Operation Epic Fury. Iran also targeted Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (civilian infrastructure) in the same wave, with total strikes on Qatar exceeding 66 missiles with 114 reports of falling shrapnel injuring 16 people.
Sources
- Qatar Defense Ministry via Anadolu Agency (March 3): 'one of two missiles intercepted, armed forces remain on full readiness'
- ABC News live blog: 'Largest US military base in Middle East hit by ballistic missile, Qatar says'
- The Hindu (March 3): 'An Iranian ballistic missile hit the United States military base at Al-Udeid'
- NYT (March 3): satellite images show damage near vital equipment on sites in at least five countries
- Al Jazeera: Qatar intercepted attacks on civilian infrastructure including international airport