DOHA, June 23 – Qatar’s air defense systems intercepted 18 of 19 Iranian ballistic missiles targeting the Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts U.S. forces, the Qatari Ministry of Defense announced Monday. One missile impacted inside the base without causing any casualties or material damage.
Shayeq Al-Hajri, deputy chief of Joint Operations, confirmed in a press conference that the missiles were launched in two separate waves. The intercepted missiles were destroyed over the sea after entering Qatari airspace.
“We received intelligence earlier in the day indicating a threat to several regional military installations, including Al Udeid,” Al-Hajri stated. He emphasized Qatar’s military readiness, noting that its capabilities “go beyond what has been demonstrated.”
The attack prompted a temporary suspension of all air traffic. The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority later announced the full resumption of flights, praising the coordination among government agencies to ensure aviation safety.
In a subsequent briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said Qatar is weighing a “firm and wise” diplomatic response. He described the attack as a “surprise” given Doha’s significant diplomatic efforts to mediate regional conflicts.
Al Ansari confirmed that Iran had provided advance notice of the attack to both the United States and Qatar through diplomatic channels. He affirmed that the incident would not deter Qatar from its ongoing mediation role.
XINHUA
