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Updates since Monday Morning
- Qatar’s National Alert System announced an elevated security level after explosions were heard in Doha at around 3:18am on Monday. Shortly after, the system assured the public that the security situation had returned to normal and that the threat had been eliminated.
- Qatar’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) confirmed that the armed forces intercepted a missile attack on the country.
- Hamad International Airport (HIA) operated reduced flights as Qatar’s airspace remains temporarily closed amid Iranian strikes on the region.
- Qatar authorities arrested 313 for filming, publishing unauthorised content and spreading rumours.
- Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said that until Monday afternoon, its armed forces intercepted 17 ballistic missiles and six drones, which were launched from Iran, successfully neutralising all threats with no casualties.
- Footage released by the Qatar Ministry of Defence on Monday shows a glimpse of the Qatari Armed Forces’ interception of Iranian missiles.
- Qatar denies claims that it asked Afghan Taliban to shut down Doha office.
Qatar’s Amir receives call from Canada’s Prime Minister on regional developments
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a phone call from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday.
During the call, the prime minister condemned the ongoing Iranian aggression against Qatar and countries in the region, describing it as a violation of sovereignty and a threat to regional security.
He also praised Qatar’s effective management of the crisis and the measures taken to maintain stability.
The Amir reassured the him about the well-being of Canadian residents in Qatar, affirming they are receiving full care and attention.
Qatar joins Regional-EU Summit, condemns missile and drone attacks on its territory
Qatar took part in a virtual summit on Monday that brought together leaders from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, several regional states and the European Union to address the escalating military situation in the region.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani led Qatar’s delegation.
Participants included Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, the Republic of Türkiye and Armenia.
“These attacks constitute a blatant violation of our national sovereignty, a direct attack on our security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region,” the PM-FM said during the meeting.
Qatar reiterated its strong condemnation of attacks targeting the territories of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Cyprus.
Sheikh Mohammed praised the readiness of the Qatari Armed Forces and reaffirmed the country’s ability to defend its territory and protect vital infrastructure.
He also expressed solidarity with regional countries targeted by similar attacks and warned that the escalation could endanger global energy markets and supply chains. He also said that Qatar was forced to adopt temporary measures affecting energy infrastructure to ensure safety, and that full supply would resume once conditions stabilise.
Qatar stressed its commitment to working with regional and international partners, including the EU, to de-escalate tensions and restore stability.
Qatar arrests five for violating nationwide drone ban
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that five people have been arrested for breaching the countrywide ban on the use or operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
The ministry emphasised that the restriction applies to everyone in the country, including citizens, residents, visitors, organisations, as well as government and semi-government entities, until further notice.
It warned that any attempt to operate a drone is considered a legal offence and that authorities will take appropriate action against anyone who violates the directive.
Qatar denies claims it asked the Taliban to shut down Doha office, sources tell DN
Qatar has not asked the Afghan Taliban to shut down its office in Doha, close sources at the Afghanistan embassy in Qatar told Doha News, dismissing circulating reports as “fake news”.
Qatar Consulate in Istanbul arranges repatriation flight to Doha
The General Consulate of the State of Qatar in Istanbul announced a special repatriation flight for Qatari citizens and holders of Qatar residence cards who are unable to travel due to the ongoing regional situation.
The flight is scheduled to depart from Istanbul Airport to Doha at 3:20 am on March 10. Qatari citizens can board the flight without restrictions, while residence card holders must have previously booked Qatar Airways tickets dated between February 28 and March 15.
Passengers were advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure.
Qatar’s Amir, German Chancellor discuss regional escalation in phone call
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a phone call from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss the latest regional developments.
The two leaders reviewed the situation amid continued Iranian attacks targeting Qatar and other countries in the region. They also addressed the broader economic implications, including the impact on global energy security.
Qatar offers condolences to the UAE on death of two Armed Forces members
Qatar expressed its sincere condolences to the UAE following the death of two members of its Armed Forces while on duty.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Doha’s solidarity during this difficult time and its support for measures taken to protect the country’s sovereignty and security.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone call late Monday with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which he conveyed his condolences. He also wished mercy for them and protection for the UAE and its people.
Qatar intercepts 17 missiles and six drones from Iran, blasts heard in Doha at around 3:00pm on Monday
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced on Monday afternoon that the country’s armed forces had successfully intercepted a missile attack.
Explosions were heard across Doha shortly after authorities issued a National Emergency Alert at around 3:00pm local time, urging residents to remain indoors as the security threat level had been ‘elevated’.
Moments later, the public was informed that the threat had been eliminated.
According to the MOD, the country’s armed forces intercepted 17 ballistic missiles and six drones launched from Iran by Monday afternoon, successfully neutralising all incoming threats.
The ministry confirmed that the interceptions were carried out by Qatar’s air defence systems and no casualties were reported.
Qatar’s PM-FM receives call from Australian, South Korean foreign ministers
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held separate phone calls on Monday with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun to discuss the ongoing military escalation in the region.
During the conversations, Sheikh Mohammed warned about the serious consequences of irresponsible attacks on vital infrastructure and strongly condemned the Iranian strikes on Qatari territory, stressing that such actions are unacceptable under any circumstances.
He cautioned that targeting vital infrastructure sets a dangerous precedent that could place people across the region at significant risk.
All sides emphasised the urgent need to stop further escalation and called for a return to negotiations and diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis and safeguard regional security.
HIA operates reduced flights from Doha
Hamad International Airport (HIA) operated reduced flights on Monday as Qatar’s airspace remained closed amid Iranian strikes on the region.
Flights that departed Doha on Monday were headed to Seoul, Moscow, London, Delhi, Madrid, Islamabad, Beijing, Perth, Nairobi, and Istanbul.
Reduced flights to and from Doha are scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, and Wednesday, March 11.
Qatar authorities arrest 313 for filming, publishing unauthorised content, spreading rumours
Qatar’s Economic and Cyber Crimes Prevention Department at the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations has arrested 313 individuals of various nationalities for filming and circulating unauthorised video clips, spreading misleading information and rumours, and publishing content intended to incite public concern, the Ministry of Interior announced on X on Monday.
The ministry urged the public to refrain from filming, publishing videos, or circulating rumours related to the current situation, and called on residents to obtain information from official sources.
Qatar condemns Iranian attack on residential facility in Saudi Arabia
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned an Iranian attack on a residential facility in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia that killed two civilians and injured others.
IIn a statement on Monday, the ministry described the attack as “a flagrant violation of international law and its principles and a dangerous escalation.”
The statement also affirmed Qatar’s categorical rejection of Iran’s justifications for targeting regional countries.
“The Ministry stresses the necessity of respecting the rules of international law and the principles of good neighbourliness and avoiding anything that could widen the circle of tension in the region,” the statement said.
Qatar expressed condolences to Saudi Arabia’s government, its people and the families of the victims, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Loud blasts heard in Qatar
Qatar’s National Alert System announced an elevated security level after explosions were heard across Doha at around 3:18 a.m. on Monday. The alert urged the public to remain indoors and stay away from windows.
Shortly after, Qatar’s National Alert System assured the public that the security situation had returned to normal and that the threat had been eliminated. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the armed forces had intercepted a missile attack on the country.
