Qatar says its air defenses are fighting a missile attack. Citizens advised to stay at home
Qatar's air defense systems intercepted a missile attack targeting the country on Thursday, March 5.
PHOTO: Profimedia
“The Ministry of Defense announces that the State of Qatar has been subjected to a missile attack and that air defense systems are intercepting the attack”reports Qatar News Agency.
The Ministry of the Interior has asked residents to stay indoors and stay away from windows and open areas, stating that the security threat level is high, The Guardian writes.
On Monday, March 2, Qatar's Air Force “successfully” shot down two Iranian SU-24 fighter jets, the Ministry of Defense announced.
“The threat was dealt with immediately after it was detected, in accordance with the operational plan, with all missiles being shot down before reaching their targets“, the press release states.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions following coordinated US-Israeli attacks on Iran that began on Saturday, February 28, which reportedly killed hundreds of people, including several high-ranking Iranian officials.
In response, Iran launched a series of retaliatory attacks on American and Israeli targets in the Gulf region, including Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Qatar condemned Tehran's actions, calling the attacks on its territory “irresponsible and reckless”. The downing of the Iranian fighter jets represents, according to analysts, a potentially dangerous turning point in the conflict.
The Emirate of Qatar is extremely wealthy thanks to the natural gas fields it shares with Iran, which led to good relations between the two countries – until recently.
Qatar has also been hostile to Israel, especially in the recent Gaza war, when Hamas leaders lived in luxury in the capital Doha. Last year, Israel launched a failed airstrike against Hamas headquarters. At the same time, Qatar hosts the US Central Command, which coordinates the war with Iran, having a large air base and naval presence. Iran has bombed Qatar heavily – not just American targets.
It also blocked exports of liquefied natural gas to Britain and the EU, also affecting gas supplies to Taiwan and South Korea.
