DOHA, March 2 (Reuters) - Qatar's air force shot down two Iranian SU-24 aircraft that approached the country's airspace on Monday, the Qatari Ministry of Defense said.
In a statement released on Monday evening, the ministry said the Qatar Emiri Air Force successfully engaged the two warplanes coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The downing of the manned aircraft marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and a U.S.-led coalition.
Along with the two Sukhoi Su-24 jets, Qatari air defense systems also intercepted seven ballistic missiles, the ministry reported. Additionally, the Qatar Emiri Air Force and Navy forces shot down five drones that were targeting several areas inside the country .
The ministry stated that its forces addressed the threat immediately upon detection. Officials said all incoming missiles and aircraft were destroyed before they could reach their intended targets. No casualties or damage from the attacks have been reported .
The Qatari statement confirmed that some of the Iranian drones targeted key infrastructure. One drone aimed at an energy facility in the Ras Laffan Industrial City, a major gas processing hub north of Doha. Another drone targeted a water tank connected to a power plant in the Mesaieed industrial area, located south of the capital .
QatarEnergy, the state's energy company, had earlier halted production of liquefied natural gas following attacks on its facilities. The shutdown has contributed to volatility in global energy markets .
The defense ministry emphasized that the armed forces have full capabilities to safeguard the nation's sovereignty. Officials urged citizens, residents, and visitors to remain calm and to follow instructions from security authorities. The ministry also cautioned the public to avoid rumors and rely only on official information .
The engagement came as the United States and Israel continued large-scale military operations against Iran that began on Saturday. Those strikes killed several top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to U.S. and Israeli officials .
Iran has launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf states that host American military assets. The wider conflict has also drawn in militant groups, with Iran-backed Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel from Lebanon, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Beirut .
The Qatari response represents one of the first confirmed instances of a Gulf state's military shooting down manned Iranian aircraft during the current hostilities .