‘Many people panicking': Singaporean in Doha recounts seeing Iran's missiles as US base was attacked
Mr Hashim Sidek was in Qatar to celebrate his grandson's first birthday when Iran launched air strikes on the Al Udeid Air Base. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF HASHIM SIDEK, REUTERS
'Many people panicking': Singaporean in Doha recounts seeing Iran's missiles as US base was attacked
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SINGAPORE - Mr Hashim Sidek was in a shopping mall in Doha with his wife, daughter-in-law and grandson when missiles suddenly appeared in the sky on June 23.
The 64-year-old Singaporean was in Qatar to celebrate his grandson's first birthday when Iran launched air strikes on the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the Middle East.
'Suddenly, some people were running towards the door that leads to the car park,' he told The Straits Times on June 24 .
They went outside, where Mr Hashim said he saw 'two missiles in the sky being destroyed by another two missiles'.
'We rushed to our Uber driver's car that we hailed through the app,' he added. 'Many people were outside already, panicking and also looking at the sky to see the missiles.'
They managed to get in the car and went straight back to their daughter-in-law's apartment, he said.
Mr Hashim, a tennis coach, and his wife arrived in Doha on June 22 .
Their son, a pilot with Qatar Airways, is arranging for them to return to Singapore sooner. The couple hopes to fly back on June 25 .
'We are actually cutting our trip here short,' said Mr Hashim. 'It was supposed to be for two weeks but we decided to go back at the earliest opportunity.'
Mr Hashim said they were anxious to go home, but are now feeling a bit calmer.
On June 23, Iran launched attacks on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, in retaliation against the US strikes on the country's nuclear facilities on June 21.
There were no reported injuries and US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the Iran and Israel, who had exchanged air strikes since June 13, shortly after.
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