Qatar has arrested 313 people for filming and distributing footage of Iranian missile and drone strikes and for spreading what authorities described as misleading information, as Gulf states move to tighten control over information during an escalating regional conflict.
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior confirmed Monday that those detained, who are of various nationalities, were accused of filming and circulating video clips as well as publishing information considered capable of misleading the public and inciting unnecessary public anxiety. The arrests were carried out by the Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Iran has launched missiles and drones toward Israel and several Gulf countries hosting United States military assets since February 28. Some of the attacks have caused casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, including ports and residential buildings.
Qatari authorities urged citizens, residents and visitors to remain calm, follow instructions from security forces, and rely only on official statements. Officials stressed that the Qatari armed forces retain the capability and readiness to defend the country’s sovereignty.
Qatar’s information crackdown is part of a broader pattern across the Gulf. In Bahrain, four people were arrested for filming and broadcasting clips about the effects of Iranian attacks and spreading false news. In Kuwait, authorities confirmed three people were arrested over a video showing them mocking the security situation in the country.
Residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) received text messages cautioning them against sharing images of attack sites or reposting unreliable information online. The UAE Attorney General’s Office warned people not to film, publish or circulate photos and videos of damage caused by missiles, projectiles or falling debris. Saudi Arabia issued similar warnings.
The severity of Qatar’s security situation goes beyond information control. Qatar announced this week the arrest of two cells operating for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), totalling ten suspects. Seven were assigned to spy on vital and military facilities, while three were tasked with carrying out sabotage operations.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said it detected the launch of three cruise missiles, 101 ballistic missiles and 39 drones toward its airspace since the conflict began. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was caught off guard, as Iran did not notify Doha of the attacks.
Despite the warnings and arrests, images and videos showing missile launches, drone activity and the aftermath of attacks continue to circulate widely on social media platforms and private messaging groups.
