IRGC warns of further retaliation if provoked; Qatar says missiles intercepted, no casualties
Tehran/Doha: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed that it launched a missile strike on the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, calling it a direct response to American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The operation, according to the IRGC, was coordinated with the Supreme National Security Council of Iran.
In a statement published by the state-affiliated Tasnim news agency, the IRGC warned that any further acts of aggression would be met with decisive force, declaring that US military installations across the region are now "points of vulnerability."
Iran "will never leave any aggression against its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national security unanswered," the statement said. It also claimed that the era of "hit-and-run" attacks was over, directly linking US military actions to Israeli strategic objectives. The IRGC vowed continued resistance until the "Zionist entity" is dismantled.
Meanwhile, Qatar's Defence Ministry reported that its air defence systems successfully intercepted the incoming missiles targeting Al Udeid Air Base. In an official statement, the ministry said there were no casualties or damage, attributing the outcome to "the vigilance of the armed forces and precautionary measures taken."
Qatar assured the public that the country’s airspace remains secure and that its armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any threat.
— وزارة الدفاع - دولة قطر (@MOD_Qatar) June 23, 2025
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Nagaland bypoll: Nearly 20 pc voter turnout recorded in Koridang seat in first two hours
Kohima (PTI): Nearly 20 per cent of 22,382 electors exercised their franchise in Nagaland's Koridang Assembly bypoll in the first two hours of polling on Thursday, officials said.
The voting that commenced at 7 am across all 30 polling stations has so far been peaceful, they said.
The polling will continue till 4 pm.
Security has been significantly tightened across the constituency following violence on April 5 and 6, in which one person died, and several vehicles were damaged.
The byelection was necessitated by the demise of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen in November last year.
A total of 22,382 electors, including 11,071 women, are eligible to decide the fate of six candidates in the fray.
The ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) has fielded BJP nominee Daochier I. Imchen, while the Congress candidate is T. Chalukumba Ao. The National People’s Party (NPP) has nominated I. Abenjang, while the Independent candidates are Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang, and Toshikaba.
Of the 30 polling stations, 13 have been categorised as vulnerable and 17 as critical, prompting deployment of additional security personnel and intensified surveillance measures. Two polling stations have been designated as all-women booths.
Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
