Qatar firmly denies any allegations regarding the capturing of Iranian pilots

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly denied recent reports and claims about the capturing of Iranian pilots, expressing surprise at these misleading statements amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions.

The Ministry clarified that contact was made after the pilots violated Qatari airspace and their targeting trajectory was confirmed. Rules of engagement were observed, with attempts to communicate, though no response was received. Necessary measures were then taken to defend Qatari territory, in line with international law, as previously clarified.

Additionally, the Ministry highlighted that its search and rescue teams performed their duties efficiently in locating the pilots' remains. They confirmed coordination with Iran to transfer the recovered remains of one pilot, adhering to international humanitarian law.

Moreover, an official invitation was extended to an Iranian team to visit Qatar and review the search and rescue operations conducted last April, but there has yet to be a response from Iran