UAE navy base housing British troops hit throughout Iran missile strike
A military base in the UAE housing British, US and Australian troops has been struck by an Iranian missile attack, causing minor damage as ‘random attacks’ rage across the region
The Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE was hit during strikes by Iran (file)(Image: Leading Seaman Paul Berry/Department of Defence )
A military installation accommodating British, US and Australian forces has been hit by an Iranian missile strike.
A projectile struck the Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates late on Tuesday. The UK operates a permanent military facility at the base, which witnessed a blaze erupt after the impact from the Iranian missile strike.
The fire resulted in ‘minor damage’ to a residential block and a medical facility following the missile striking a road approaching the base, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed.
Australia has over 100 military personnel stationed at Al Minhad. All Australian personnel were ‘absolutely safe’ after the assault, Prime Minister Albanese confirmed. Al Minhad Air Base serves as Australia’s military headquarters for the Middle East.
He emphasised that Australia was not at war and stated it was not verified that Tehran had specifically targeted the Al Minhad base, reports the Mirror.
“The Iranian regime is engaging in random attacks right across the region. We know that is the case,” he said.
Albanese acknowledged the recent strikes whilst declining to criticise Donald Trump after the president claimed the US never required assistance from allies – including Australia – to fight the war in Iran.
In a Truth Social post, Trump declared that due to the US’s “military success” in Iran, it would “no longer ‘need’, or desire, the NATO countries’ assistance – WE NEVER DID’.
“Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea,” he shared on his Truth Social social media platform.
“In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”
The UK established a permanent headquarters at the site in 2024 to aid British operations in the Middle East.
The Princess Royal inaugurated the UK military facility, named Donnelly Lines, at the UAE base last March. The UK presence there comprises a brand-new Headquarters, accommodation and welfare facilities to support Royal Air Force staff stationed in the country.
Donnelly Lines is named after Sergeant ‘Billy’ Donnelly, an RAF Navigator who died in February 1943 when his Vickers Wellington Bomber crash landed in Fujairah, 75 miles east of the base.
The Ministry of Defence has yet to comment on the attack.
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