Australia's Middle East military HQ hit by Iranian drone attack

Australia said its military headquarters in the Middle East was hit by an Iranian drone attack over the weekend and that all staff are safe. Speaking on morning TV, Defense Minister Richard Marles says he can confirm reports that the Al Minhad Air Base — just 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates — was hit over the weekend. “There was some drones which did attack that base on the first night,” Marles, also deputy prime minister, says.
“We have a number of Australians who operate from a headquarters that we’ve had at Al Minhad now for many, many years,” he said on Tuesday. “They are all safe and accounted for.” Australia has said it has 115,000 nationals in the Middle East who are unable to fly out because of airspace closures caused by the conflict. The base remains Australia’s only forward-deployed headquarters and maintains strategic relationships within the region, particularly with the UAE.
Al Minhad Air Base has hosted Australian forces since 2003 and serves as the primary hub for the country’s operations in the Middle East. Up to 80 Australians are on base at any given time, according to the Australian military. There is speculation that the airbase could be used for military evacuation flights from the Middle East, despite the Albanese government declaring that Australia will not be involved in any military operations against Iran.