Iranian Missile Strike Confirmed at Al Udeid Air Base, Pentagon Reports
The Department of Defense has confirmed that the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar was hit by an Iranian ballistic missile during an attack that occurred in June. This confirmation comes after extensive speculation and analysis of satellite images. Previously, the incident had been downplayed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
On Friday, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell revealed that the missile strike resulted in minimal damage to the base's equipment and structures. He assured that Al Udeid Air Base continues to function fully and plays an active role in regional security missions, in collaboration with Qatar's forces.
The confirmation was supported by satellite images released by Planet Labs PBC and reported by the Associated Press. Images from June 23, captured hours before the attack, depict a geodesic dome structure, which housed a modernized enterprise terminal. This terminal was part of a $15 million communication system implemented by the U.S. Air Force in 2016.
Further satellite images taken on June 25 and in subsequent days revealed that the dome had been removed and displayed minor damage to a nearby building, although the majority of the base remained intact.
Al Udeid Air Base serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Air Force's 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and is a crucial strategic position in the Gulf region. This incident underscores the increasing tensions between Iran and the United States, with both nations being cautious to prevent further conflict escalation.
