Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar Attacked: What We Know

The Al Udeid Air Base, also known as Abu Nakhla Airport, located near Doha, Qatar, was targeted by Iranian missiles on Monday afternoon.

Approximately 8,000 American soldiers are stationed at the base, which serves as the US Central Command's command center for operations in Iraq, the Gulf, and the Middle East. It coordinates and supports US Air Force military actions in the region.

Al Udeid also hosts British forces periodically and has the longest runway in the Gulf, crucial for heavy cargo transport.

US-Qatar military cooperation began in 2000, with an official bilateral agreement in 2002. In 2024, a ten-year extension of the American military presence was agreed upon, according to CNN.

The base serves as a means of projecting power and stability for the US in the region. Donald Trump visited the base during his presidency.