Qatar urges public to report missile debris after Iran’s strike on US military base

Doha: Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior have issued a joint appeal urging citizens and residents to immediately report any foreign or suspicious objects potentially linked to Iranian missile countermeasures. The advisory was issued in response to Iran’s missile strike on the US military base at Al Udeid.

In a joint statement reported by Qatar News Agency, the ministries warned that such objects may pose serious safety risks and should be handled only by trained professionals.

Residents are strongly advised not to touch or approach any unfamiliar items and to promptly report them via the dedicated hotline 40442999.

Authorities have assured that all reports will be managed according to established safety protocols.

In a separate move, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior announced that all traffic violations recorded on Monday, June 23, will be waived. The decision was made “in view of the exceptional circumstances” the country faced on that day.

“This decision comes as a gesture of appreciation for the swift and responsible response demonstrated by citizens and residents in promptly reaching their workplaces and service centres under pressing conditions,” the ministry said.

Authorities clarified that this is a one-time waiver applicable only to violations committed on June 23.

On Monday, Iran launched a missile attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Qatari air defences successfully intercepted the incoming missiles, preventing any major damage.

Qatar is home to Al Udeid, the largest US military base in the Middle East, located about 190 kilometres south of Iran. In the wake of the strike, the US and UK embassies in Doha advised their citizens to shelter in place.

The missile incident also led to temporary disruptions in regional air travel. Qatar Airways briefly suspended flights, and several countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq, along with Dubai momentarily, closed their airspace following the strike.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strike was not aimed at Qatar but was a legitimate act of self-defence.

“In response to US aggression, the missile operation targeting Al Udeid was within the framework of Iran’s right to self-defence,” Araghchi told Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in a phone call on Tuesday.