Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said the country came under attack at dawn on Wednesday, when 10 drones and two cruise missiles were launched from Iran, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions.
In a statement, the ministry said Qatar Emiri Air Defence Forces intercepted six drones, while the Qatar Emiri Air Force shot down two drones and both cruise missiles. The remaining two drones were intercepted by the Qatar Emiri Navy Forces. Authorities did not immediately report casualties or major damage linked to the latest attack.
The ministry stressed that the Qatar Armed Forces possess the capabilities and resources required to protect the country’s sovereignty and territory. It said the armed forces stand ready to respond firmly to any external threat.
Residents were urged to remain calm and follow instructions issued by security authorities. The ministry called on citizens, residents and visitors to avoid spreading rumours and to rely solely on official channels for information.
The attack follows several days of heightened hostilities after the United States and Israel began joint strikes on Iran over the weekend. Tehran has since launched retaliatory attacks targeting what it describes as US assets across the Gulf region. However, some strikes have also affected civilian infrastructure, including airports and hotels.
Explosions have been reported in different parts of Qatar in recent days. Late on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence said Iran had fired two missiles toward Qatari territory. One missile targeted the Al Udeid Air Base, a major US-operated military facility southwest of Doha. Officials said there were no reported human losses from that incident.
Security concerns have also intensified internally. Late on Tuesday, Qatar’s state security apparatus announced the arrest of two cells allegedly affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Authorities did not disclose further details about the suspects or the nature of their activities, but said investigations are ongoing.
Regional airspace disruptions and tightened security measures have followed the exchanges of fire, with Gulf states on high alert amid fears of broader instability. Analysts say the targeting of military facilities in Qatar underscores the strategic importance of US bases in the region and the risk of spillover from the widening confrontation.
Qatari officials have reiterated that national defence systems remain fully operational and that coordination continues with allied partners to monitor developments. As tensions persist, authorities have emphasized public vigilance while seeking to reassure residents that measures are in place to safeguard the country’s security and critical infrastructure.
