Qatar has intercepted and destroyed two Iranian military aircraft while halting liquefied natural gas (LNG) production after drone strikes targeted critical energy infrastructure.
Reports indicate that Tehran widened its retaliatory operations across the Gulf, heightening concerns over the possibility of a broader regional conflict.
In a statement on Monday, Qatar’s defence ministry confirmed that the Qatar Emiri Air Force shot down two Sukhoi Su-24 bombers belonging to Iran. The development marks the first known instance of a Gulf nation directly engaging and downing Iranian aircraft since Tehran initiated coordinated strikes in the region.
“Qatar Emiri Air Force successfully shot down two (Su-24) aircraft coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the ministry announced, without providing details on the pilots’ condition.
The escalation comes in the aftermath of joint US-Israeli attacks that allegedly dealt a heavy blow to Iran’s top leadership. In response, Iran has launched multiple waves of missiles and drones aimed at ports, airports, residential districts, hotels, and military sites across Gulf countries seen as allies of Washington.
Casualty figures have risen, with at least six fatalities and dozens of injuries reported since the strikes began.
The situation further intensified after drone assaults struck two facilities operated by QatarEnergy, prompting the suspension of LNG production.
As one of the world’s leading LNG exporters, Qatar’s production halt quickly unsettled global markets. European gas prices spiked by over 50 percent, while oil prices climbed nearly nine percent amid growing fears of extended supply disruptions.