Qatar: Teacher saw missiles 'explode in sky' as Iran targets US Qatari base

Originally from Ballycastle in County Antrim, Kevin Donaghy, who is currently teaching in Qatar, shared his surprise as he sat in his apartment in Doha and felt his windows rattle due to the missiles launched by Iran at a US military base. The attack was said to be in response to American strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites over the weekend. Donaghy described the moment when he heard three loud bangs and saw his windows start to rattle, prompting him to go outside where he witnessed the intercepting missiles being shot into the sky.

“You could feel the explosions,” Donaghy recounted, mentioning how some missiles hit and exploded in the sky, accompanied by a distinct smell. The Iranian missiles targeted the largest US military base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base, where approximately 8,000 US citizens are stationed along with British military personnel on rotation. Despite the attack, the Qatari government reported no casualties or injuries, stating that the base had been evacuated beforehand.

Being in Qatar on an Irish passport, Donaghy expressed feeling uncertain about what would happen next, as no evacuation orders had been issued yet. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised all Irish citizens in Qatar to remain cautious, follow local authorities’ advice, and be prepared for any additional security measures. The department also recommended contacting the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi or seeking assistance through the given helplines. In response to the escalating situation, Iranian state media initially confirmed the attack, with subsequent validation from the military stressing Iran’s stance on defending its sovereignty. The US, having previously warned Iran against retaliating to its actions, urged for diplomatic resolutions to the ongoing tensions in the region

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