Iran Launches Retaliatory Missile Attack on Qatari Air Base

Iran launched a retaliatory missile attack on Monday on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest military installation in the Middle East, in response to the United States joining Israel's campaign against Iran by bombing nuclear sites on Saturday. Qatari officials condemned the attack and reported that their air defenses had successfully intercepted the Iranian missiles. The attack came after Iran gave advance notice to Qatari officials to minimize casualties, according to three Iranian officials familiar with the plans.

Key Takeaways:

• The Iranian missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base was a retaliatory measure in response to the US joining Israel's campaign against Iran.
• The attack was preceded by Iran giving advance notice to Qatari officials, according to three Iranian officials familiar with the plans.
• Qatari air defenses successfully intercepted the Iranian missiles, with no casualties reported.
• Ten thousand personnel are typically stationed at Al Udeid Air Base, which is heavily fortified with air defenses.
• Satellite imagery shows the base was nearly empty of aircraft on Monday morning, with dozens of aircraft present throughout early June.
• Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq have closed their airspaces in light of the attacks.
• Flights in the region have been significantly impacted, with many airspaces now closed.
• Qatari officials condemned the attack, with a spokesperson stating that Qatar's air defenses had intercepted the missiles.

Statistics:

• 10,000 personnel are typically stationed at Al Udeid Air Base.
• 6 missile interceptors were seen in a video shooting down incoming missiles.
• Dozens of aircraft were at the base throughout early June, according to satellite images.
• 4 countries (Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq) have closed their airspaces in light of the attacks.

Sources:

• [Source a: Iranian officials familiar with the plans]
• [Source b: Satellite imagery by Planet Labs]
• [Source c: Analyses by Flightradar24 and reports from state news media]
• [Source d: Farnaz Fassihi]