ADF Personnel Secure After Dubai Air Base Strike, Says Defence Minister
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel stationed at the Al Minhad Air Base are confirmed to be safe following a recent drone strike by Iranian forces. Defence Minister Richard Marles reported that the strike occurred during the first night of the escalating conflict, targeting the air base located approximately 40 kilometers outside of Dubai.
Details on ADF Personnel and Their Operations
Currently, around 100 ADF personnel operate across various countries in the Middle East, with a significant number based in the UAE. The Al Minhad Air Base has been an operational headquarters for Australian forces since 2003, and its current personnel presence has reduced since Australia’s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Historical Context of Attacks on ADF Bases
This incident is not the first time Australian military bases have faced hostile actions. In 2019, an Iraqi military base housing over 300 ADF members was struck by three rockets during a joint mission with New Zealand.
Government Response and Regional Implications
Minister Marles emphasized the Albanese government’s stance in support of the US-Israel actions against Iran. He acknowledged the challenges in predicting the conflict’s duration while underlining the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring deployable nuclear weapons.
Additionally, various sites in Dubai such as the international airport and the Burj Al Arab hotel suffered damage during the Iranian retaliatory strikes, indicating a wider conflict that affects civilian regions.
Support for Travellers in the Region
- Approximately 115,000 Australians are present in the Middle East.
- About 11,000 Australians travel through the region daily, contingent on normal flight operations.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has contacted UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to secure assistance for Australian travellers. Wong reiterated that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is dedicated to providing support during this turbulent period, condemning Iran’s attacks on both military and civilian targets in the UAE.
