Iran-Israel conflict: Qatar temporarily suspends airspace, security remains stable
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the country’s competent authorities have temporarily suspended all air traffic in its airspace to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Earlier, the US and UK embassies in Qatar advised their citizens to shelter in place until further notice. Additionally, several schools in Qatar have been ordered to close on Tuesday.
Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, clarified that recent advisories issued by various foreign embassies advising their citizens to take precautions or avoid certain areas in Qatar are standard practice.
These advisories reflect general policies followed worldwide and do not necessarily indicate specific threats. Security Situation Stable, Authorities on Alert
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Al Ansari confirmed that the country’s security situation remains stable. Relevant authorities are closely monitoring developments and are prepared to take necessary measures to protect everyone. He urged the public to rely only on official information sources.
The spokesperson emphasized Qatar’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives to de-escalate tensions in the region and uphold security by engaging with key regional and international partners.
US Embassy advises Americans to shelter in place
The US Embassy in Qatar urged American citizens to shelter in place “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. It provided emergency contact numbers, including 999 for emergencies and 919 for domestic violence support. The embassy’s after-hours consular number is +974-4496-6000.
The United States maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for the UAE, advising Americans to “exercise increased caution” due to ongoing regional tensions. Despite this, US diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai remain fully operational.
Global caution over Middle East conflict
On Sunday, the US Department of State issued a worldwide caution urging increased vigilance following the Israel-Iran conflict, which has disrupted travel and caused periodic airspace closures. The alert warns of potential demonstrations against US interests abroad.
US and UK issue advisory
Following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, both the US and UK governments advised their citizens in Qatar to avoid public places. The US embassy reiterated the shelter-in-place recommendation, while UK Foreign Minister David Lammy echoed similar advice.
Qatar hosts key US military base
Qatar is home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US base in the region and headquarters of US Central Command in the Middle East, housing around 9,000 US service members. The country lies just across the Arabian Gulf from Iran.
Source: Gulf News