Explosions echoed across Doha late Monday as Qatar, home to the United States’ largest military base in the Middle East, suspended all air traffic following Iran’s threat of retaliation over recent US strikes on its nuclear facilities.
AFP journalists reported hearing several loud blasts in central Doha and other parts of the capital, with interceptor systems lighting up the night sky in response to airborne projectiles.
Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed the temporary closure of its airspace, citing precautionary measures in response to heightened regional tensions.
“The competent authorities announce the temporary suspension of air traffic in the country’s airspace, as part of a set of precautionary measures taken based on developments in the region,” the ministry said, adding that officials were monitoring the situation in close coordination with regional and international partners.
Okay.ng reports that the gas-rich Gulf nation, located just 190 kilometers south of Iran, hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the regional headquarters for the Pentagon’s Central Command.
The United States embassy in Doha swiftly advised American citizens to shelter in place, while embassies from Britain and Canada also issued warnings urging caution.
“Out of an abundance of caution we recommend American citizens shelter in place until further notice,” the US embassy said on its website.
The escalation follows a series of US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which Washington said were aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear capabilities. In response, Iran’s armed forces warned of “serious, unpredictable consequences” for the United States.
Satellite imagery obtained by Planet Labs and analysed by AFP showed that nearly 40 US military aircraft previously stationed at Al Udeid were no longer visible as of June 19, compared to June 5. Only three aircraft remained parked on the tarmac in the latest images.
In Bahrain, another Gulf country hosting the US Fifth Fleet, the American embassy announced a partial shift to telework for its staff, while the Bahraini government ordered most public sector employees to work from home due to “regional circumstances.”
Despite the heightened alerts, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari sought to calm public anxiety.
“We would like to reassure the public that the security situation in the state remains stable,” al-Ansari wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Qatar continues to exert intensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.”
The US State Department had earlier warned Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Following Israel’s initial strikes on Iran on June 13, the US embassy in Doha had already advised personnel to limit non-essential travel to Al Udeid Air Base.
As of Tuesday morning, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in Qatar.
