Qatar, June 23 (V7N) – Qatar has temporarily suspended air traffic within its airspace following a security advisory issued by the United States, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a statement published on Monday. The announcement, reported by international media outlets including the BBC, Al Jazeera, and CNN, marks a significant precautionary measure amid rising regional tensions.
 
In addition to closing its airspace, Qatari authorities have also ordered the temporary closure of several schools on Tuesday. While no specific threat has been publicly identified, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a social media post that the decision was part of a set of precautionary steps taken in response to recent developments in the region’s security landscape.
 
The move follows a security warning issued by the United States Embassy in Doha, which advised all U.S. citizens in Qatar to seek immediate shelter and remain indoors until further notice. The embassy, in an email to American residents, stated that the advisory was issued “as a precautionary measure,” though it did not provide any concrete details regarding the nature of the potential threat.
 
Regional media sources, including Al Jazeera, have emphasized that the advisory and subsequent Qatari measures come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Tehran had previously warned that it could retaliate against recent U.S. strikes targeting its nuclear facilities, fueling speculation that nearby American assets in the Gulf, including those in Qatar, could be at risk.
 
Qatar hosts one of the largest U.S. military installations in the Middle East, the Al Udeid Air Base, which is home to approximately 10,000 American troops. The facility also serves as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), making it a strategic hub for American military operations across the region.
 
While neither the Qatari government nor the U.S. embassy has confirmed a direct threat against the country, the coordinated actions point to growing concern over possible retaliatory scenarios or broader instability resulting from the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
 
As of now, no timeline has been given for the reopening of Qatari airspace or the resumption of school activities. Officials have stated that all precautionary measures will remain in effect until further notice and that any updates will be communicated through official channels.
 
END/WD/RH/