**Iran Launches Missiles at Qatar, Hits US Air Base**
On Tuesday, Iran launched two ballistic missiles towards Qatar, with one hitting the largest US military facility in the Middle East, Al-Udeid Air Base, causing damage to an early warning radar system. Qatar’s Defense Ministry confirmed that the other missile was intercepted by the air defense system, with no casualties reported at the base. Satellite images show significant damage to the AN/FPS-132 radar system at the Al-Udeid base, a crucial component of the US missile defense system providing key data support for THAAD and Patriot air defense systems.
While the full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, witnesses on the scene reported hearing a massive explosion.
Al-Udeid Air Base, spanning 24 hectares and hosting around 10,000 US troops, serves as a strategic command center for the US military in the Middle East.
Iran claimed the attack was in retaliation for previous attacks by the US and Qatar on its soil. The US military emphasized that despite Iran launching over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones, its capacity to target US forces and partners is declining while the US military’s strength continues to grow.
On Tuesday, Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated that the “Operation Epic Fury” involved 50,000 troops, 200 aircraft, and two aircraft carriers, making it the largest military deployment in the Middle East in decades.
Cooper described the operations as a relentless 24/7 precision strike campaign in Iran to destroy remaining ballistic missile launchers and air defense systems. He expressed optimism about the military progress, stating that they are ahead in their operations.
Cooper outlined the US strategy, focusing on targeting any potential threats: “Simply put, our focus is on hitting anything that can shoot at us.”
US officials further reported that an item believed to be an Iranian drone struck the parking lot of the US Consulate in Dubai, causing a fire. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that there were no casualties.
Rubio emphasized the need to reduce personnel to a minimum as Iran’s retaliatory strikes expand in scope, highlighting the direct attacks on US embassy and diplomatic facilities by a terrorist regime.
Additionally, the US State Department raised the travel advisory for Oman to level 3, allowing for the voluntary departure of non-emergency government personnel and their families. The advisory cited threats from Iranian drones and missiles in Oman, with some areas near the Yemeni border classified as level 4 “Do Not Travel.”
Furthermore, maritime security situations have escalated with reports of a ship being struck by an “unidentified object” near Fujairah in the UAE, causing hull damage but no casualties. Reports of intense explosions in waters near Oman have also surfaced, indicating a volatile maritime environment.