Iranian Missile Near Miss at UAE Base Housing Aussie Soldiers

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese breathed a sigh of relief after verifying that an errant Iranian missile struck close to but not on Al Minhad Air Base in Dubai's outskirts, where his country's troops are posted. All remain unscathed.

In candid remarks to journalists, he described the missile's path veering toward the base's entry, where it exploded and kindled a blaze damaging a dorm and health post minimally. 'Confirmation: no Australians hurt, everyone secure,' Albanese declared.

Operational since 2003, the base shifted to a skeletal security role after 2021's Afghan retreat. The leader slammed Iran's 'persistent strikes' roiling Gulf waters, framing the event amid rising hostilities.

Flashback to March 5: Albanese disclosed military reinforcements for citizen rescues. His parliamentary speech emphasized strategic placements to navigate the turmoil.

Deployments featured a transport jet and tanker, augmented by DFAT's six crisis cells for consular boosts. These teams are lifelines for stranded nationals.

By March 11, 23 flights ferried over 3,200 homeward. With 115,000 Aussies in the zone – 24,000 UAE residents – the stakes couldn't be higher.

This episode spotlights Australia's deft handling of expatriate perils. No blood spilled, yet it fuels calls for heightened readiness against Iranian threats lurking in the shadows.