Iran Launches Ballistic Attack on US Military Base in Qatar

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Iranian ballistic missile struck a geodesic dome housing communication equipment at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on June 23. This base is vital for U.S. military operations in the region.

The attack came in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites during a recent conflict with Israel. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the damage hours after satellite images showed a scorch mark on the structure.

The U.S. evacuated aircraft from the base prior to the missile strike, potentially minimizing the impact of the attack. Al Udeid is home to the forward headquarters of the U.S. Central Command.

Initial satellite imagery shows the base largely intact, with damage focused on the radar dome, which was part of a $15 million communication system installed in 2016. Parnell described the damage as minimal and confirmed that the base remains operational.

Iran claimed the strike was a significant retaliation, stating that their missile strike targeted the American base effectively. However, President Donald Trump labeled the response as “very weak,” revealing that 13 of the 14 missiles were intercepted.

Iranian military officials claimed that all communication from the base was disrupted due to the strike. As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, both nations appear to be preparing for ongoing military maneuvers.