Qatar on Monday announced that its air defense systems successfully shot down two SU-24 aircraft and intercepted multiple missiles and drones launched toward the Gulf state.
In a statement, the Qatari Defense Ministry said the Qatar Emiri Air Force downed two SU-24 aircraft approaching from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The ministry added that air defense systems intercepted seven ballistic missiles before they reached their intended targets.
Additionally, five drones targeting various locations across the country were intercepted by the Qatar Emiri Air Force and the Qatar Emiri Navy Forces.
“The threat was addressed immediately upon detection in accordance with the operational plan,” the ministry stated, emphasizing that all incoming missiles were neutralized before impact.
The ministry underscored that Qatar’s armed forces have the “full capabilities and resources to safeguard the state’s sovereignty and lands, and to respond firmly to any external threat.”
Authorities urged citizens, residents, and visitors to remain calm and adhere strictly to official instructions issued by security agencies. The ministry also cautioned against the spread of rumors, advising the public to rely solely on information from official channels.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region following a large-scale attack on Iran reportedly launched by the United States and Israel on Saturday. According to reports, several senior Iranian officials were killed in the operation, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In retaliation, Tehran has launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf states hosting US military assets, further escalating instability across the region.
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