Panic inside mall, windows shaking: How Iran's missile strikes shocked civilians in Qatar

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As Iranian missiles struck the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar's Doha on Monday night, the visual was nothing short of a nightmare for those living in the city. Civilians, many of whom are Indians, reported hearing loud explosions, while others were seen running in panic inside a shopping mall read more
Traces are seen in the sky after Iran's armed forces say they targeted The Al-Udeid base in a missile attack, in Qatar, June 23, 2025. Reuters
It was a night of panic and fear for many living in Qatar's Doha, as loud booms echoed through the city and windows trembled while a barrage of Iranian missiles lit up the night sky.
The strikes on Monday night, targeting the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base southwest of the capital, marked a sharp escalation in Iran's retaliation against recent American attacks on its nuclear facilities.
As air defence systems were activated and sirens rang out across the city, residents, including many Indians, reported hearing explosions. Panic quickly spread in public spaces, and embassies moved swiftly to issue safety advisories.
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Here's how the situation played out for civilians on the ground last night.
'First time that Doha felt unsafe'
For the thousands of Indian expatriates living in Qatar, Monday evening felt like something out of a nightmare.
A 36-year-old resident from Kerala, who has resided in Doha for over a decade, recalled the horror to The Indian Express:
'It shook all over,' the Indian resident who lives in Bin Mahmud locality in Doha said, describing the barrage of Iranian missiles that hit the US airbase. 'First, we heard explosions – four to five. Then the windows shook,' he added. 'This is the first time that Doha has felt unsafe,' he further said.
Iran launched missiles at the US's Al Udeid military base in Doha, Qatar. Iran says base was hit. Qatar denies.
Won't Qatar see this as a direct attack on its sovereignty, regardless of Iran's intended target? It's their land, their airspace, and their people under threat.… pic.twitter.com/sZ8nJcMXcM — THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) June 23, 2025
In a nearby locality, residents were left stunned by what they believed were pieces of a missile that had landed near their home. One man, who requested anonymity, said, 'First we heard a big explosion and then fragments of something fell near our home.'
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Worried and anxious, many began filming the debris, sending the clips back to family members in Kerala. 'We've been sharing videos with loved ones back home. It's scary,' one resident said.
Iran announced it had launched missiles at a major US base in Qatar on Monday in retaliation for American strikes on key nuclear facilities, with explosions ringing out in Doha and projectiles seen streaking overhead. Full story: https://t.co/dup6uyxOGQ pic.twitter.com/Qan51vIgcX — AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 23, 2025
Qatar is home to more than 8 lakh Indians, making them the largest expat group in the Gulf nation.
Following the tensions, the Indian Embassy in Doha has issued an advisory urging all Indian nationals in Qatar to exercise utmost caution and remain indoors.
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'In view of the ongoing situation, the Indian community in Qatar is urged to remain cautious and stay indoors. Please remain calm and follow local news, instructions, and guidance provided by Qatari authorities," the Embassy said in a statement released Monday night.
Panic inside Doha Mall
As the sounds of explosions echoed across Doha, panic unfolded in public places.
A video reportedly filmed at Villaggio Mall showed the people screaming, panicking and running out of the shopping centre. Children, women and men were rushing toward the exit gates as Iranian missiles came toward Qatar.
The video soon spread across social media as users expressed their concern about the safety of civilians in the Gulf nation.
The panic of Qatari citizens at the moment of the attack in a Doha mall. pic.twitter.com/HZCYRi8jZN — Brian's Breaking News and Intel (@intelFromBrian) June 23, 2025
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While no casualties were reported, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country intercepted the missiles before they could cause damage. Following the strikes, the country shut its airspace along with Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE.
'Brazen aggression': Qatar responds to Iran strikes on its US airbase
Qatar has sharply condemned the Iranian missile strikes that hit the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base near Doha, calling it a 'flagrant violation of its sovereignty, airspace, international law, and the UN Charter.'
'We consider this a brazen aggression and affirm Qatar's right to respond directly in line with the nature and scale of the attack,' the Qatari government said in a strongly worded statement.
It also warned that such acts of escalation could have 'catastrophic consequences for international peace and security.'
The State of Qatar strongly condemns the attack that targeted Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. We consider this a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter. We affirm that… — د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) June 23, 2025
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In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which claimed responsibility for the barrage under the operation name 'Blessing of Victory,' insisted it had deliberately avoided Qatar's urban areas. Tehran maintained that the attack was not meant to threaten its 'friendly and brotherly' neighbour.
Despite those claims, the missile strike marked a major escalation. It hit Al Udeid Air Base — the largest American military facility in West Asia and the forward headquarters of US Central Command (CENTCOM). The base hosts around 10,000 US troops, spans over 24 hectares (60 acres), and accommodates nearly 100 aircraft.
This satellite image shows Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, after many aircraft on its tarmac left. Planet Labs PBC/AP
The attack followed Israel's Operation Rising Lion , which targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz. The United States later joined the offensive, striking sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
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After the coordinated action, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, though tensions in the region remain on edge.
With input from agencies