Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, Mar 22: A military helicopter crashed in Qatar’s territorial waters during a routine operation, the defence ministry said on Sunday, even as tensions continue to escalate in the West Asia region.

In a post on X, the ministry said the helicopter suffered a technical malfunction leading to the accident. “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,” it said.

The Ministry of Interior Qatar confirmed that specialised teams have been deployed for rescue operations. It said efforts are being carried out in coordination with maritime rescue units and national search and rescue forces.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the number of personnel on board or details regarding casualties.

The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened conflict in the region following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran last month, which triggered a series of retaliatory attacks by Tehran.

Iran has since launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli territory as well as US military bases and allied facilities across Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. It has also targeted areas near key infrastructure and announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy shipping route.