Two Iranian bombers were just minutes away from hitting the largest American military base in the Middle East before being shot down by Qatari fighter jets. The incident highlights how close a direct attack on a significant US military installation was.
According to a report published by CNN, citing two sources familiar with the operation, the Iranian bombers were „two minutes” away from their targets when they were intercepted.
Bombers targeted al-Udeid base and major gas facility
According to sources cited by CNN, the Revolutionary Guards sent two Soviet-made Su-24 tactical bombers towards the Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar on Monday morning. The base typically hosts around 10,000 American troops and is the most important US military facility in the region.
A second potential target was Ras Laffan, one of the world's largest natural gas processing facilities and a vital pillar of Qatar's economy.
One source stated that the Iranian aircraft were "two minutes" away from the targets, while another source specified that the planes were visually identified and photographed "carrying guided bombs and munitions."
Planes flew very low to avoid radar
Qatari Air Forces initially tried to warn the Iranian pilots via radio but received no response.
According to the same source, the bombers descended to an altitude of about 80 feet (approximately 24 meters) to avoid radar detection.
Due to "time constraints" and "based on available evidence," the aircraft were classified as hostile. Qatar sent fighter jets, and a Qatari F-15 engaged in aerial combat with the Iranian bombers and shot them down.
The two aircraft crashed in Qatari territorial waters, and authorities have begun a search operation for the crews.
Moreover, the historic moment was filmed from aboard an F-35, and the footage was released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Qatar accuses Iran of trying to extend the war
The Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, discussed the incident with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to an official statement, the Qatari leader described the operation as "escalatory" and stated that it shows Iran has "no real desire" to reduce tensions. "Rather, it is trying to inflict harm on its neighbors and draw them into a war that is not theirs," Al Thani said.
Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones in the region
The incident occurs amidst escalating conflict following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
According to regional governments, Tehran has launched over 400 ballistic missiles and more than 1,000 drones at Arab states in the Persian Gulf. Iran targeted urban centers, energy infrastructure, airports, and hotels, creating tension in Gulf states accustomed to decades of high security.
Iranian attack has already killed US military personnel in Kuwait
Although most Iranian missiles and drones were intercepted, some managed to bypass anti-aircraft defenses.
On Sunday, six American military personnel died after an Iranian projectile hit an improvised operations center in the port of Shuaiba, Kuwait.
G.P.