Doha, March 19 — As the West Asia conflict enters its third week, hostilities have escalated between Iran and the US-Israeli axis. On Wednesday night Iran fired ballistic missiles at gas facilities in Qatar in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the South Pars gas field, Qatari authorities said.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence reported that the missiles hit Ras Laffan Industrial City, the country’s principal energy hub, causing extensive damage. QatarEnergy said several liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities were targeted in follow-up missile attacks, triggering large fires and significant damage in the early hours.
Emergency and civil defense teams were deployed immediately. Qatar’s Ministry of Interior said teams fully contained two of three fires in the Ras Laffan Industrial Area and that no injuries were reported. Cooling and securing operations continue at affected sites, and the Internal Security Force’s Explosives Group (Lekhwiya) is addressing hazardous elements.
In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the ballistic missile strike on Ras Laffan and offered prayers for the protection of Qatar, its emir, citizens and residents. QatarEnergy said emergency crews were working to limit damage and ensure safety, and that so far there have been no reported casualties.
Qatar condemned Iran’s recent attacks on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, calling them clear violations of international law and serious threats to global energy security, maritime navigation and the environment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strikes crossed red lines by targeting civilians and vital civilian infrastructure and urged immediate de-escalation to restore regional and international stability.
As a diplomatic response, Qatar declared the military and security attaches at the Iranian embassy persona non grata and ordered them and their staff to leave the country within 24 hours.
Ras Laffan, about 80 kilometers north of Doha, is a cornerstone of Qatar’s economy and is home to the world’s largest LNG liquefaction facilities, according to the International Energy Agency. Authorities continue damage assessment and recovery efforts.
