Doha, March 6 (NationPress) The Indian Embassy in Doha has released a new advisory, urging Indian citizens residing in Qatar to adhere to the guidelines set forth by local authorities, particularly the Ministry of Interior. The Embassy has also been disseminating advisories from Qatari officials via its social media platforms.

As per the recent advisory posted by the Indian Embassy on X, all Indian travelers are urged to maintain communication with their respective airlines, as Qatar's airspace remains closed and flight operations are currently suspended.

In light of the prevailing security conditions, the Indian Embassy in Doha has requested that all Indians in Qatar diligently follow the directives issued by Qatari authorities, especially the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry has advised residents to remain in secure locations, minimize outings to essential situations only, and avoid proximity to windows and unprotected areas.

Furthermore, Qatar's Ministry of Interior has announced a one-month extension for all categories of entry visas that have either expired or are nearing expiration, with the possibility of further extensions as circumstances evolve, effective February 28.

In case of emergencies, there is currently an option to exit Qatar via the Salwa land border crossing into Saudi Arabia. Indian nationals possessing US, UK, or Schengen visas (that have been utilized at least once) can secure a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. Other Indian nationals wishing to travel through Saudi Arabia are advised to apply for Saudi visas according to the established procedures.

The Embassy has also opened a registration link to assist Indian nationals who are stranded in Qatar on transit, allowing them to obtain a temporary transit visa for Saudi Arabia, provided they hold confirmed tickets for travel out of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, helpline numbers have been released for those needing to contact the embassy with inquiries.

This advisory comes in response to recent reports of Qatar intercepting drones and missiles within its borders amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Earlier today, Qatar's Ministry of Defence announced the successful interception of a drone attack targeting Al-Udeid Air Base by Qatar's Emiri Air Defence Forces.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Defence reported that Qatar faced multiple missile attacks, including 14 ballistic missiles and four drones originating from Iran, starting at 11:51 am (local time).

According to the Ministry's statement, the Armed Forces successfully intercepted 13 missiles, with the final one landing in Qatar's territorial waters. Additionally, four drones were intercepted without resulting in any human casualties.

The Ministry emphasized that Qatar's Armed Forces are fully equipped to protect the nation's sovereignty and territory, ready to respond decisively to any external threats. It urged the public to remain calm, adhere to official instructions from security authorities, avoid spreading rumors, and rely exclusively on information from official channels.

On March 4, Qatar's Ministry of Defence reported an attack involving 10 drones and two cruise missiles from Iran. The statement indicated that the Qatar Emiri Air Defence Forces successfully intercepted six drones, while the Emiri Air Force intercepted two drones and two cruise missiles, with the Emiri Navy Forces successfully intercepting the remaining two drones.