Australian Embassy in Qatar closed as Doha security situation escalates
Australians in Qatar faced a rapidly deteriorating security situation on Sunday; The Australian embassy in Doha closed its doors to the public after reports of missile intercepts from Gulf countries.
Australian Ambassador to Qatar Shane Flanagan said in a statement that the Australian Embassy in Qatar will be closed to the public on Sunday “due to the ongoing regional security situation” as authorities in Doha respond to new security alerts and warn citizens to stay at home.
The embassy said Australians needing urgent assistance can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Center on +61 2 6261 3305.
The closure came after Qatar’s Ministry of Internal Affairs raised the security threat level for the second time on Sunday, with local media reporting that people were told to stay at home during response operations.
Qatar’s defense ministry also announced that a missile attack was prevented, while the interior ministry later said that three people, including a child, were injured due to falling debris.
The embassy’s warning comes after an unstable week in the region. Australia’s Smartraveller advice for Qatar, updated on Sunday, said Australians should rethink their need to travel due to the risk of military action and the unpredictable security environment.
The advice also warned that the situation could affect the opening hours of Australian embassies and consulates in the Middle East.
“The risk of further attacks and escalation remains,” Smartraveller said.
“If an attack occurs in your location, monitor local warning systems and if you are warned of an impending attack, move to a closed, fortified shelter. Prioritize your security, monitor events and follow local advice.
“We continue to advise Australians not to travel to Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen. We continue to advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.”
There were already signs earlier this month that conditions were worsening. On July 9, Qatar issued a security alert and later said the threat was over and the situation had returned to normal, following reports that its air defenses had intercepted incoming projectiles.
