Qatari authorities have taken a man into police custody this morning after he allegedly assaulted a security guard at the US Embassy in Doha.

In an email to American citizens in Qatar, the US Embassy confirmed the incident, saying the guard suffered only superficial injuries.

Speaking to Doha News, an embassy spokesperson could not confirm any details about the detained individual, or any motive for the assault.

But it appears unlikely that it has to do with the political climate in the region, as the the statement said:

“While there is no change to the overall security environment in Qatar, we use this opportunity to remind U.S. citizens of our standing security guidance.”

Advice offering by the embassy included:

• Avoiding large public gatherings;
• Having a plan in the event one encounters demonstrations or violence;
• Identifying safe areas such as hospitals and police stations and knowing how to get to them quickly;
• Telling co-workers or neighbors where you’re going and when you plan to return;
• Always carrying a cell phone with emergency numbers pre-programming into it;
• Being prepared to postpone or cancel activities for safety reasons; and
• Reporting any concerns to the embassy at 4496-6700.

Thoughts?