Iran strikes world's largest LNG hub in Qatar twice in 12 hours
Qatar flag (photo: Getty Images)
Iran again attacked Qatar with ballistic missiles, as a result of which the world's largest LNG complex in Ras Laffan was hit again, less than 12 hours after the first strike, CNN reports.
A fire also broke out at the strategic facility.
Qatar's Interior Ministry reported that air defense forces intercepted most of the missiles. One of them reached its target and hit an area of energy infrastructure.
After the strike, a fire broke out at the facility. Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene and were able to contain the blaze.
State company QatarEnergy confirmed the attack and reported serious damage. At the same time, there is no information about casualties — all personnel are safe.
According to the Qatar Interior Ministry, Iran launched several ballistic missiles, most of which were shot down.
Ras Laffan is one of the world's largest centers for liquefied gas exports, so a strike on it could have consequences for the global energy market.
Attack on Ras Laffan
The attack took place amid a major escalation in the Middle East after the start of the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel, during which Tehran regularly strikes targets in countries of the region.
Qatar has already condemned the attack and said it reserves the right to respond. The previous attack took place 12 hours earlier, and on March 2, Iranian drones also struck QatarEnergy facilities in Ras Laffan.
Today, it became known that Doha will expel Iranian ambassadors and give them 24 hours to leave the country due to the missile strike on the LNG complex.
Saudi Arabia is also preparing a response to Iran, as its oil facilities have also been hit by missiles of the Islamic State.
