Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor
Students at the VCUarts Qatar campus have been taking shelter indoors since Saturday as Iran launches missiles at Doha, causing explosions in the gulf nation’s capital. There are no reported injuries among students, faculty or staff, according to VCU spokesperson Michael Porter.
The strikes — which came after a coordinated attack on Iran by The United States and Israel — mark the second time VCUarts Qatar students have been forced to shelter this academic year. Israeli forces struck a building in Doha in September, according to a previous report by The CT.
While the Education City district where VCUarts Qatar is located is not immediately adjacent to the Al Udeid Air Base where it is believed missiles were directed on Saturday, the entirety of Doha was impacted by the missile activity, debris and subsequent national safety alerts, according to Porter.
A national emergency alert and shelter-in-place order was enacted in Qatar on Saturday and is currently still in effect.
Classes were cancelled on Sunday following a directive by the Qatari Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Schools have temporarily transitioned to virtual learning.
VCUarts Qatar is currently operating fully remote until at least the end of the week. The campus’ building is not officially closed, but is currently empty as all administrative and academic work is being conducted remotely.
No evacuations have taken place in Education City. However, the Qatar Foundation has suspended all campus activities, including the Education City Tram and all events.
In a statement released on Tuesday, VCUarts Qatar dean Amir Berbić said the school is permitting a temporary, out-of-county remote work option for students, faculty and staff. The choice is available to all faculty and staff, not just American citizens.
“I have spoken daily with VCU President Michael Rao, who expresses his strong support and encouragement for our community,” Berbić said. “Please know that our Richmond colleagues are standing with us and holding us in their thoughts during these difficult days.”
Attacks on Doha are ongoing
At least 16 people were injured on Saturday after missile shrapnel landed in multiple locations across Qatar, according to Al Jazeera. 66 missiles were fired at Qatar and authorities received 114 reports of shrapnel falling nationwide.
Explosions were heard across Doha on Monday in a third consecutive day of retaliatory strikes by Iran. Qatar’s air force successfully shot down two Iranian fighter jets, per Al Jazeera’s reporting.
Iranian attacks on Qatar have targeted civilian infrastructure, including the country’s international airport, its foreign ministry said. Qatar is among at least eight states that have closed their airspace, causing numerous flight delays and stranding travelers.
The United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement on Sunday condemning Iranian attacks across the region and affirming their right to self-defence.
Gulf countries “will take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and to protect their territories, citizens, and residents, including the option of responding to the aggression”, the statement said.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.