A Qatari military helicopter has reportedly crashed in its territorial waters, and a search for its crew members and passengers is in progress.

In a statement dated March 22 by the Ministry of Defence of the State of Qatar, it was reported that a Qatari helicopter experienced a technical malfunction during a routine mission, resulting in a crash in the country’s regional waters.

The authorities confirmed that they have launched search-and-rescue operations to locate the crew members and passengers, with efforts ongoing to determine their status.

“The Ministry of Defence of the State of Qatari announces that a Qatari helicopter had a technical malfunction during a routine duty, which led to its crash in the regional waters of the State. A search operation for its crew members and passengers is in progress,” the Qatari ministry reported.

At the time of reporting, officials had not released details on how many people were on board, but confirmed that the operation is ongoing.

According to Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, the operations are being carried out in close coordination between the Maritime Search and Rescue Team of the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security and the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya).

The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) in the UAE has reported that air defence systems are actively responding to a missile threat.

In an alert issued early morning on March 22, residents were urged to remain in safe locations and follow official channels for warnings and updates as authorities monitor and manage the situation.

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“Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates,” the statement read.

Iran Responds to Mass Evacuation in Qatari Order

Iran has responded to reports of Tehran calling on residents in Qatar to evacuate “as soon as possible,” claiming an area within Doha had become a “legitimate target.” 

State broadcaster IRIB on Sunday, March 22, apologised after deleting an earlier warning urging Doha residents to evacuate immediately, claiming the city had become a “legitimate target” due to the presence of U.S. forces.

Also Read: Iran Escalates Middle-East Tensions With Strike on Saudi Oil Giant

In a clarification posted on its Telegram channel, the outlet said: “This news is denied,” adding that the earlier report had been removed.

Before it was taken down, the initial warning, which cited U.S. presence and media activity, had directly addressed “citizens and residents of Doha.”

It claimed the city had become a “legitimate target” due to the presence of U.S. forces and interests, as well as media activity it described as “inciting against the Iranian people.”