Iran’s IRGC claims a strike on Al Udeid Air Base as Qatar faces missile attacks, with authorities confirming interceptions and one injury from debris.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Friday that it launched a “heavy and surprise attack” on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, alleging it destroyed a long-range radar system and several U.S. strategic aerial refuelling aircraft in what it described as the 15th wave of Operation Nasr 2.
The claims, published by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, have not been independently verified.
The IRGC also alleged that additional U.S. aircraft were seriously damaged during the strike, though neither the United States nor Qatari authorities immediately confirmed the reported losses.
As the country woke to missile and aerial attacks before dawn on Friday, Qatari authorities issued two alerts urging residents to take shelter as explosions and the sounds of interceptions were heard across parts of Doha.
The Ministry of Defence said the armed forces intercepted a missile targeting the country and continued responding to additional aerial threats.
The Ministry of Interior later said a child was injured by falling shrapnel during the interception operations and was receiving medical treatment. While the Ministry of Defence initially did not identify the source of the attack, the Interior Ministry later confirmed the missile strike had been launched by Iran.
The attacks come after Qatar spent four days in national mourning following the passing of Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Leaders and delegations had travelled to Doha throughout the week to offer condolences, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while military attacks continued across neighbouring states.
Attacks widen across the Gulf
Friday’s attacks follow days of escalating strikes across the Gulf.
Qatar had strongly condemned Iranian attacks on Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, calling them violations of sovereignty and international law, and urged a return to dialogue.
Bahrain said its air defences intercepted Iranian missile and drone attacks, while Iran later announced further strikes against U.S. facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Kuwaiti authorities also reported damage to a power generation and water desalination plant following an attack.
Jordan said its air defences intercepted eight Iranian missiles on Thursday and three more on Friday, with no casualties or damage reported.
State-owned Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed attacks against U.S.-linked radar facilities in Oman.
Sixth night of U.S. strikes
The regional attacks also coincided with a sixth consecutive night of U.S. strikes on Iran.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said American fighter jets, drones and warships targeted dozens of Iranian military sites, including coastal surveillance and air defence systems, logistics infrastructure and maritime capabilities.
CENTCOM said the operation was intended to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and hold Tehran accountable for recent attacks on commercial shipping.
Qatar has remained involved in diplomatic efforts related to the conflict between Tehran and Washington. Friday’s attacks brought the escalating confrontation directly over Doha once again, as the IRGC publicly claimed it had targeted the region’s largest U.S. military base.
