Iranian attack on UAE airbase damages Australia’s facilities

An Iranian projectile has hit Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), causing minor damage to Australian military facilities, including an accommodation block and a medical facility in the base. 

Australian PM Anthony Albanese disclosed that an Iranian projectile hit a road near Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE around 9:15 am AEDT today.

According to him, it was not clear whether it was a missile or drone strike, but it started a fire, which caused “minor damage” to an accommodation block and medical facility.

“I can confirm that no Australian personnel were injured, and everyone is absolutely safe at this point in time,” Mr Albanese said.

“There was minor damage to an accommodation block and a medical facility due to a small fire that was created as a result of that projectile hitting a road leading up to that base.”

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According to reports, over 100 Australian troops are stationed at Al Minhad Air Base, which is also used by the UK and US, explaining that the base serves as Australia’s main military hub in the Middle East for logistics, surveillance, and training, despite being owned by the UAE.

According to ABC News, Al Minhad Air Base has been an operational hub for Australia’s Defence Force (ADF) since 2003. Although the Australian presence decreased after they withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, it’s still a key transit point for Australian personnel entering and leaving the region.

ABC News reports that the Wedgetail aircraft, which the government deployed to the Middle East last week, was not at the base when the projectile landed.

“Defence’s focus is on ensuring the safety and security of our people, and we will continue to revise force protection measures as the situation in the Middle East evolves,” a statement by the Australian Defence Minister, Richard Marles, on the incident said.

According to him, the safety of ADF personnel deployed to the region is top of mind.

“The safety and security of the men and women who bravely wear our nation’s uniform is always our first priority, and I want to reassure people that no Australians were injured in this incident,” he added.