DefenseQatar downs two Iranian Su-24 jets amid widening regional conflict
Qatar’s air force shot down two Iranian Sukhoi Su-24 fighter-bombers on Monday, according to a statement from the Qatari Ministry of Defense, marking what officials described as a significant escalation in the expanding regional conflict.
The ministry said the Su-24 aircraft were downed while seven ballistic missiles and five drones launched by Iran were intercepted before reaching their intended targets. It did not specify where the aircraft were engaged or provide details on the weapons used.
“The threat was addressed immediately upon detection, in accordance with the operational plan, as all missiles were shot down before reaching their targets,” the ministry said in a statement.
Iran did not immediately comment on the reported loss of the two Su-24 aircraft. The twin-engine Su-24 is a variable-geometry strike aircraft designed for low-level attack missions and remains in service with the Iranian Air Force.
Qatar condemned Iran’s strikes as “reckless and irresponsible,” following a wave of retaliatory attacks across the Gulf after U.S. and Israeli operations against Iranian targets. In recent days, Iran has launched missiles and drones toward targets in Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
The reported air-to-air engagement represents a potential shift in the conflict’s character, with direct combat between state-operated fixed-wing aircraft. Until now, most exchanges had involved missiles, drones and ground-based air defense systems.
Iranian officials have defended their actions as lawful responses to U.S. and Israeli attacks. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran’s armed forces were defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, said Tehran’s response was “lawful, necessary and proportionate,” adding that Iran targets military objectives and not civilians.
A joint statement issued Sunday by several regional governments and the United States condemned what they described as indiscriminate missile and drone attacks against sovereign territories in the region and reaffirmed their right to self-defense.
The conflict has also affected Gulf energy infrastructure. Qatar’s state energy company halted liquefied natural gas production following recent attacks, triggering sharp increases in European and Asian gas benchmark prices. In Saudi Arabia, authorities said two drones attempted to strike the Ras Tanura refinery, with a small fire reported after interception.
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