A military installation hosting British, US, and Australian troops was targeted by a missile attack believed to have originated from Iran. The Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates was struck late on Tuesday, resulting in a fire outbreak following the missile impact.
According to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the missile strike caused ‘minor damage’ to a residential block and a medical facility at the base. More than 100 Australian military personnel are stationed at Al Minhad, all of whom were confirmed to be unharmed after the attack.
Emphasizing that Australia is not engaged in any war, Prime Minister Albanese expressed uncertainty about whether Tehran specifically aimed at the Al Minhad base. He criticized the Iranian regime for conducting indiscriminate attacks throughout the region.
Albanese’s remarks came in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent comments asserting that the US did not require assistance from allies like Australia in conflicts with Iran due to its military capabilities. Trump’s statements were shared on his Truth Social media platform, proclaiming the US as the most powerful nation globally and asserting independence from alliance support.
The UK established a permanent headquarters at the Al Minhad site in 2024 to bolster British military operations in the Middle East. Named Donnelly Lines, the UK military facility was inaugurated by Princess Royal last year and provides essential infrastructure and support for Royal Air Force personnel stationed in the region.
Donnelly Lines pays homage to Sergeant ‘Billy’ Donnelly, an RAF Navigator who perished in a plane crash near the base in 1943. The Ministry of Defence has refrained from commenting on the recent attack at this time.