Hours after the Israeli attack on the world’s largest gas field, Iran fired ballistic missiles at Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar. Qatar Energy Company has confirmed that the attack caused significant damage to the facility and caused a fire.
An Iranian missile caused an explosion
According to Qatar’s Defense Ministry, Iran fired a total of 5 ballistic missiles. Air defense intercepted most of them, but one missile fell into Ras Laffan, causing a fire and massive damage. Ras Laffan is the world’s largest LNG (liquified natural gas) production and export centre.
Qatar Energy issued a statement saying that emergency teams immediately reached the spot and efforts are being made to control the fire. The good thing is that there is no news of any casualty.
Why did Iran attack?
Israel on Wednesday attacked Iran’s South Pars gas field (the world’s largest natural gas field, which is shared between Iran and Qatar). In this, Iran’s petrochemicals complex was targeted. Angered by this, Iran retaliated. Before the attack, Iran had warned Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar to vacate their energy bases, otherwise attacks would occur.
Qatar orders to vacate Iranian embassy
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “dangerous and irresponsible step.” Qatar has declared many officials including the military and security attaché of the Iranian Embassy as persona non grata. He has been ordered to leave the country within 24 hours.
4 ballistic missiles fired at Saudi Arabia
Iran also fired missiles at Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Defense Ministry said that 4 ballistic missiles coming towards Riyadh were stopped, but 4 people were injured after falling at some places. These incidents are part of the larger war going on between America, Israel and Iran. Now the energy destinations of Gulf countries have also come under target, due to which the prices of oil and gas are increasing rapidly all over the world.
Production in Ras Laffan has been affected. The situation is said to be under control, but it may have a global impact on LNG supply.
