DOHA – Qatar’s air force has reportedly shot down two Iranian SU-24 fighter jets and intercepted seven ballistic missiles and five drones, the Qatari Defence Ministry said on Monday.
The ministry stated all threats were neutralized before reaching their targets, following Iran’s retaliatory strikes after US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
“The threat was addressed immediately upon detection, in accordance with the operational plan, as all missiles were shot down before reaching their targets,” the ministry said.
Qatar condemned Iran’s actions as “reckless and irresponsible,” amid a wider surge of Iranian attacks across the Gulf, including Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, which have killed hundreds in Iran and heightened regional tensions.
Meanwhile Qatar has announced it is halting liquid natural gas (LNG) production because of Iranian attacks on key facilities a move that has sent gas prices soaring.
QatarEnergy, the world’s largest LNG producer, has taken an unprecedented action that has alarmed traders in Europe and Asia.
Analysts warn it could be the first tangible economic impact from the escalating Middle East conflict, posing a potential threat to global markets.
