Doha, Qatar: Missile and drone attacks continue to target the Gulf region with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait reporting interceptions.
Stay tuned for live updates:
11:59pm Doha time
Iran confirms death of security chief Ali Larijani, state media says
In a statement carried by Iran’s semi-official Mehr news, the country’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed the assassination of Larijani, after Israel earlier today claimed it killed him in targeted attacks. READ MORE
9:50pm Doha Time
Saudi Arabia says seven drones intercepted in past hours
The country’s defence ministry says on X that the drones were intercepted and destroyed “in the past several hours” in the country’s Eastern Province.
8:04pm Doha Time
Thai petrol queues lengthen as price cap expires
From the capital Bangkok to Chiang Rai in the far northern reaches of the country, drivers and riders in Thailand queued for petrol Tuesday as shortages worsened and price rises loomed. Authorities imposed a cap on the retail price of diesel after the regional conflict disrupted shipping and damaged petroleum facilities in the Middle East, raising global oil prices.
But Tuesday was the last day the 33 baht ($1) a litre limit remained in force, and while Thailand's transport minister said prices would go up by less than one baht on Wednesday, many feared bigger rises within days. And supplies were running low in several parts of the country.
Read the full report here.
Motorists queue up at a petrol station in Bangkok on March 16, 2026 following import disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP
6pm Doha Time
MOI Warning: Ministry of Interior advised the public against responding to any suspicious calls or messages that take advantage of the current situation and falsely claim to represent government agencies within Qatar, asking the recipient to disclose banking information or transfer funds.
The Ministry of Interior urges everyone to remain vigilant against suspicious messages and calls requesting banking information or money transfers taking advantage of prevailing conditions.
— Ministry of Interior - Qatar (@MOI_QatarEn) March 17, 2026
Never share your OTP or click unverified links.#MOIQatar pic.twitter.com/0HYvjTg41g
3:14pm Doha Time
Hamad International Airport pulls out of Skytrax Awards, global events amid regional tensions
Hamad International Airport announced its withdrawal from all external exhibitions, conferences, industry events, and awards programmes citing ongoing conflict in the region. This was announced through a statement on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Read more
2:59pm Doha Time
Qatar Armed Forces intercept second wave of missiles attack
Qatar's Ministry of Defense announced that the armed forces successfully intercepted a second wave of missile attack targeting the country.
Loud interception sounds were heard over the skies of Doha.
A public safety alert stating that the threat has been eliminated and situation has returned to normal was sent out at 2:59pm Doha Time. Read more
2:37pm Doha Time
Qatar sent out an “elevated” threat level alert, telling residents to “remain indoors”.
Qatar has just sent out ‘elevated’ threat level alert around 2:39pm on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, urging everyone to stay in a safe place and away from windows, glass facades and exposed areas.
This is the second such alert to be sent out today.
12:17pm Doha Time
Two medics injured in Kuwait after debris falls on ambulance centre
Kuwait’s Health Ministry says two medical emergency staff have been injured after debris fell on an ambulance centre.
According to Al Jazeera, the ministry in a post on X said both of the injured medics were in stable condition. Read here
11:30am Doha Time
Sending unverified content to official accounts is a violation, warns MOI
The Ministry of Interior warned that sending or referencing rumours and unverified news to official social media accounts is a violation, alongside reposting content from suspicious sources.
It emphasized that these actions are considered a clear violation and a direct contribution to promoting such content and expanding its reach. Read more
11am Doha Time
MOI cautions home surveillance camera owners to secure devices
The Ministry of Interior has urged owners of home surveillance cameras to take the necessary measures to secure their devices and protect them from cyber attacks.
In a social media post, the Ministry noted that these steps are part of ongoing efforts to enhance digital security for individuals and families in the country. Read more
10:40am Doha Time
Saudi Arabia intercepts more drones
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry says it has downed three more drones in its Eastern Province, hours after it said it downed over a dozen drones in the same region, according to Al Jazeera.
9am Doha Time
Pakistani national killed by falling debris in Abu Dhabi
Officials in Abu Dhabi responded to an incident in the Bani Yas area after shrapnel fell following the interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems.
The incident resulted in the death of an individual stated an official statement from the emirate.
The victim was a Pakistani national, it further confirmed in a post on X.
8am Doha Time
Kuwaiti forces take down drone
The spokesman for Kuwait’s National Guard said a drone was taken down by armed forces in line with “ongoing efforts to enhance security, protect vital sites and confront any potential threats”.
7:15am Doha Time
Falling debris causes minor fire in Qatar's Industrial Area, no injuries
Civil Defense dealt with a minor fire in the industrial area caused by falling debris following the interception of a missile this morning, March 17, 2026.
The Ministry of Interior stated this on its social media, adding that no injuries were reported.
7am Doha Time
Armed Forces intercept missile attack targeting Qatar
The Ministry of Defense of the State of Qatar announced that the armed forces intercepted a missile attack which targeted State of Qatar.
Loud sounds of interception were heard in several parts of Doha.
The alert from the Ministry was followed by a message on the Public Safety Alert system stating that the security threat had been eliminated and normalcy restored.
