Qatar's Ministry of Interior said that one child sustained an injury due to falling shrapnel resulting from interception operations, and was receiving the necessary medical care, following an Iranian attack that targeted the country on Friday morning, July 17.

In a statement, the ministry said that, in the context of its continuous monitoring of developments on the ground, security authorities and Civil Defence teams had initiated their procedures in accordance with approved emergency response plans following the attack. Based on reports received from the ground and findings gathered by teams operating at the scene, the ministry confirmed the child's injury and said the child is currently receiving medical care.

Interception of Aerial Attacks

The injury occurred as Qatar's armed forces intercepted a number of aerial attacks targeting the country early on Friday. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that its forces had first intercepted a missile attack, and later said in a further statement that it had intercepted a number of aerial attacks and was continuing to respond to threats. The first intercepted missile attack was reported at around 3:28 am.

Qatar elevated its national security level twice on Friday morning as the attacks unfolded, with the Ministry of Interior issuing alerts at around 3:30 am and again at approximately 5:45 am, urging the public to take shelter and follow official safety guidance.

Civil Defence Response

The Ministry of Interior said security authorities and Civil Defence teams continue to operate with full readiness around the clock, focusing on ensuring a rapid response, protecting the safety and security of the community, and maintaining the normal flow of essential services across the country. Authorities said they would continue monitoring developments on the ground and implementing the necessary security and emergency response measures.

Call to Rely on Official Sources

The ministry urged members of the public to rely exclusively on official sources for information and to refrain from circulating rumours or sharing unverified content, including photographs and videos. It stressed that sharing false or unverified material could result in legal accountability, particularly when such content risks creating confusion or undermining public safety during an emergency.

Friday's attack was the second time in a matter of days that Qatar has come under fire during the current regional crisis. On July 12, the Ministry of Interior reported that three people, including a child, were injured by falling debris from interception operations following an earlier Iranian attack, after which Qatar held Iran responsible and condemned the strikes as violations of its sovereignty and international law.

(QNA)