BREAKING: Qatar Closes Airspace After US, UK Alerted Citizens
On Monday Qatar closed its airspace temporarily following security warnings issued by the United States and the United Kingdom urging their citizens in the country to stay put until further notice.
The embassy advisories came as Iran reiterated its threats to retaliate against the United States over recent strikes on its nuclear sites.
The alerts triggered widespread concerns across Doha, prompting several institutions to send emergency instructions to staff and students.
Qatar’s foreign minister said on X that the airspace closure was “part of measures taken amid developments in the region,” without offering additional details.
However, a statement earlier from foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said: “The security situation remains stable.”
Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, housing around 10,000 troops and serving as the forward headquarters of US Central Command.
Two US officials told Reuters that Iran may carry out attacks targeting American forces in the Middle East, with one suggesting it could occur “in the next day or two.”
Messages from the US and British embassies said their warnings were issued “out of an abundance of caution,” and no further explanation was provided.
Residents in Doha voiced confusion over what they viewed as conflicting messages from Qatari and embassy officials.
Following the embassy alerts, American university campuses in Qatar reacted swiftly.
Texas A&M University ordered an evacuation, Northwestern University advised everyone to go home, and Georgetown University said people could go home if they wished.
The American School in Doha, which was not in session, closed its campus and cancelled its summer camps until further notice.
