Doha, 03 March (H.S.):

Qatar's Emiri Air Force achieved a military milestone by shooting down two Iranian Sukhoi Su-24 bombers inbound from Iran, as announced by the Defence Ministry on Monday, marking the first instance of a Gulf nation engaging manned Iranian aircraft during three days of intense bombardment.

This action followed Iranian drone strikes on critical energy infrastructure, including QatarEnergy's facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City and a power plant water tank in Mesaieed, prompting the suspension of liquefied natural gas production and driving European gas prices up over 50 percent alongside a nine percent surge in oil prices.

No casualties were reported from the attacks, though damage assessments remain ongoing.The interceptions form part of a broader defensive effort that also neutralized seven ballistic missiles via air defenses and five drones through combined air force and navy operations, underscoring Qatar's resolve amid Tehran's retaliatory campaign.

This escalation stems from U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei late last week, triggering widespread Iranian missile and drone assaults on Gulf states, U.S. bases, and allies, resulting in at least six deaths region-wide and disruptions to global energy supplies.

Qatar's response highlights shifting regional dynamics, with Arab nations increasingly countering what they view as existential threats from a cornered Iranian regime.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar