A military base in the United Arab Emirates hosting British, US, and Australian troops was hit by a missile attack believed to be of Iranian origin. The Al Minhad Air Base, where the UK has a permanent military presence, experienced a fire outbreak following the missile strike.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reported that the missile caused ‘minor damage’ to an accommodation block and a medical facility at the base. Australia has over 100 military personnel stationed at Al Minhad, all of whom were confirmed to be safe after the attack.

Albanese emphasized that Australia was not engaged in any conflict and noted that it was uncertain if Tehran specifically targeted the Al Minhad base. He criticized the Iranian regime for what he described as indiscriminate attacks in the region.

The UK established a permanent headquarters at the base in 2024 to support its operations in the Middle East. Named Donnelly Lines after Sergeant ‘Billy’ Donnelly, a Royal Air Force navigator who perished in a crash near the base during World War II, the UK facility includes a new headquarters, accommodation, and welfare amenities for RAF personnel.

Despite the incident, the Ministry of Defence has not issued a statement regarding the attack.