Following US embassy shelter warning, Qatar reaffirms security and dismisses threat warnings

Time of India

4 hours ago

Despite the U.S. Embassy's caution, Qatar's government affirmed there is no immediate danger to residents or visitors/ Image: U.S. Embassy Doha, Qatar
Authorities in Qatar have assured the public that the country's security remains stable and under close observation, following an advisory from the United States Embassy in Doha urging American citizens to "shelter in place.
" The move by the embassy, which came shortly after U.S. airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, prompted concerns and questions about potential regional fallout. However, Qatari officials have emphasized that there are no credible threats within the nation's borders.
Foreign Embassies Issue Precautionary Notices
On Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Doha sent an alert via email to American nationals residing in Qatar. The message advised recipients to "shelter in place until further notice," citing no specific threat but describing the advisory as being made 'out of an abundance of caution.'
The warning follows the U.S. military's bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday morning, an escalation that has stirred regional tensions.
No further details were provided in the embassy's communication regarding the nature or source of any perceived threat.
Qatari Officials Respond with Assurance
In a swift response to growing public concern, Dr. Majed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the advisories from foreign embassies, including that of the United States, 'do not necessarily reflect the existence of specific or credible threats.'
Dr. Al Ansari took to social media platform X to clarify the Qatari government's position, writing:
'These advisories do not necessarily reflect the existence of specific or credible threats. We would like to reassure the public that the security situation in the State remains stable.
The relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation and remain fully prepared to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of citizens, residents and visitors.
The public will be kept informed of any developments that may warrant notification or action, and we stress the importance of obtaining information from official sources.'
He further reiterated that Qatar's security services are "fully prepared to take any necessary measures" to maintain public safety.
Diplomatic Focus on Regional Stability
Beyond internal security, Qatar has been actively engaging in diplomacy to manage the unfolding crisis in the region.
On Sunday, following the U.S. strikes on Iran, the Qatari government expressed "regret over the deterioration of the situation" and voiced "deep concern" about the consequences of the attack on the three nuclear sites.
In its official statement, the government called for the immediate cessation of all military operations and stressed the urgent need to return to diplomatic negotiations.
Dr. Majed Al Ansari, according to statements made on behalf of the government, said that Qatar continues to make active diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and maintain regional stability by engaging with key stakeholders and both regional and international partners.