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Qatar’s armed forces intercepted missiles targeting the country in two waves early on Saturday, the defence ministry said.
Euronews journalists in Doha reported air raid alerts followed by interceptors in the city repelling Iranian missiles, generating loud blasts and shaking the city around 2:00 am and then 5:45am, jolting the capital awake.
Precautionary evacuations announced
The interior ministry announced temporary precautionary evacuation measures applying to residents in specific areas who received notifications through the National Alert System.
The ministry said safe alternative accommodation has been provided for affected residents, while some people chose to move to other safe locations until the threat passed.
Residents and Euronews journalists said authorities evacuated parts of Msheireb Downtown Doha, a central district that includes government offices and a Google hub office.
Witnesses also reported evacuations in parts of Education City, which hosts branch campuses of several US universities.
Authorities have not publicly specified the locations covered by the precautionary evacuation measures and urged the public to rely on official sources for information and to follow instructions issued by the authorities.
Shortly before the evacuation announcements, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a complex warning on social media urging employees of several major US technology companies operating in Gulf countries and residents living nearby to evacuate offices and tech centres.
The message referenced companies with offices across cities including Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
Strategic supply stocks
In a rare insight into Qatar’s preparedness to reassure the country, officials outlined on Friday the country’s preparedness measures.
Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani said Qatar maintains strategic stocks of essential medicines sufficient for nine months, as well as medical supplies that could last up to 12 months, ensuring healthcare services can continue without disruption.
Meanwhile on Saturday, Qatar Airways said it has transported nearly 300 tonnes of essential goods into Qatar since the beginning of March, including medicines, baby formula, fresh food and medical equipment.
The airline said cargo flights are continuing through temporary corridors authorised by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority to maintain supply chains despite airspace restrictions.