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What we know about Al Udeid Air Base; and what makes it a prime target in US-Iran tensions
Iran fired multiple missiles at American military bases across the Middle East on Monday, June 23, including a direct strike on
Al Udeid Air Base
in Qatar, in response to the US bombing of its nuclear facilities over the weekend. At least 10 missiles targeted Qatar, and one was aimed at Iraq, according to an Israeli official.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council said the number of missiles fired matched the number of bombs used by the US, calling the attack 'devastating and powerful.' The
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
(IRGC) declared
Al Udeid
'the largest strategic asset of the US terrorist army in West Asia.'
Qatari air defenses reportedly intercepted the missiles, and no casualties or major damage were reported. Qatar condemned the attack and urged all sides to de-escalate and resume diplomacy.
What is Al Udeid Air Base?
Located southwest of Doha near Al-Rayyan, Al Udeid Air Base is a central pillar of US military strategy in the Middle East. Built in 1996 with US cooperation, it rose to prominence after 2001, serving as a critical launchpad for American operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and later the campaign against ISIS.
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The base is home to approximately 10,000 US troops and serves as the forward headquarters for both
US Central Command
(CENTCOM) and US Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT). It also hosts the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC), a facility responsible for coordinating air missions across the entire CENTCOM area of responsibility.
It also houses the
Qatar Emiri Air Force
, the Royal Air Force of the UK, and other foreign forces.
Al Udeid spans around 24 hectares and is equipped with twin 3,750-meter runways, advanced hangars, command and control infrastructure, and extensive logistics and maintenance systems.
Its operational capabilities include a diverse mix of aircraft, from F-15QAs and C-130/C-17 transports to KC-135 and KC-46 refueling tankers, as well as ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) platforms.
The base's core combat unit, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, plays a critical role in rapid deployment, aerial refueling, and precision strike operations. Its assets enable the US to maintain a forward presence and respond quickly to crises throughout the region, from the Red Sea to Central Asia.
Why Al Udeid Air Base Matters Now
Strategically located just across the Persian Gulf from Iran, Al Udeid has long served as both a deterrent and a potential flashpoint. Monday's strike marks the first time the base has come under direct attack from a hostile nation-state.
With tensions mounting, US officials have warned of the risk of further retaliation from cyberattacks to proxy militia action across the region.
