By John Ogunsemore
Iran on Monday launched missile attacks on United States bases in Qatar and Iraq, in apparent retaliation for American strikes on three nuclear facilities in the Islamic republic over the weekend.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the attacks were part of an operation called “Annunciation of Victory”.
In a statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the nation intended to send a “clear and explicit” message to America and its allies.
It said Iran “will not leave any attack on its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national security unanswered under any circumstances”.
The Qatari government confirmed Iran launched an attack on al Udeid military base in Doha, America’s largest airbase in the Middle East.
Reuters and AFP news agencies reported explosions were heard over Doha.
A foreign ministry official spokesman, Majed al-Ansari said there was no casualty as Qatari air defences intercepted the missiles.
He said, “All necessary steps were taken to ensure the safety of personnel at the base, including Qatari Armed Forces members, friendly forces, and others.
“We confirm that no injuries or human casualties resulted from the attack.”
Describing the attack as “blatant aggression”, al-Ansari emphasised that Qatar reserves the right to respond directly and in accordance with international law.
