CNN: US aircraft from Al Udeid base in Qatar moved last week

(Patria) - US aircraft that were not protected were moved last week from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, according to a satellite image taken on June 19 showing almost empty runways, CNN reported.

This means the aircraft were moved before Iran launched a missile attack on Al Udeid on Monday in response to US attacks on their nuclear facilities over the weekend.

Two defense officials told CNN last week that the aircraft were moved to other locations as part of the US military's efforts to protect its assets and equipment in the Middle East amid the conflict between Iran and Israel.

In addition, all US Navy ships deployed to Naval Support Activity Bahrain – a US Navy base in that island nation – left port last week. It is unclear where the aircraft and ships went.

Iranian officials had informed Qatar of the attack in advance before launching missiles towards the US military base in the country, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The coordination was aimed at minimizing casualties and preserving landing space, the source said.

A US official told CNN that they were not aware of any US casualties in the reported attack on Al Udeid Air Base. The Qatari Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that their air defense intercepted an Iranian missile attack on the air base.