The suspension follows a closure of airspace by Qatar. (screengrab/flightradar24.com)
Amid escalating tensions and Iran’s latest attack on US bases in Qatar’s capital city Doha, Kuwait and Doha have announced the closure of it airspace until further notice amid regional escalation. The suspension follows a closure of airspace by Qatar shortly before Iran launched six missiles targeting US military bases in Qatar.
No casualties have been reported, confirmed US military officials.
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Iran’s retaliation is part of “Operation Basharat al-Fath” (“Annunciation of Victory”) following the US bombed three main Iranian nuclear facilities – Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
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Air raid sirens were heard going off in Bahrain’s capital city Manama. According to reports in Arab media outlets, air defense systems were activated in Qatar and Bahrain following missile launches carried out by Iran toward American assets. Sirens were also activated at the American Ali-Salem base in Kuwait.
Qatar’s Defence Ministry said that its air defence systems successfully intercepted missiles targeting the Al Udeid Air Base. It reassured the public that Qatari airspace and territory remain safe and that its armed forces are fully prepared to handle any threat.
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Condemning the attack, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry described it as a “violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace and the UN charter”, and that Doha reserves the right to respond. The Iranian Supreme National Security Council said that the strike was away from residential areas in Qatar and that it “does not pose any threat to the friendly and brotherly country”.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the Iranian missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, calling it a “flagrant violation of international law, principles of neighbourly relations”. In its statement, it also added, “The kingdom asserts its support and stance by the brotherly State of Qatar.”
