Qatar rejects Iran’s claim it detained 3 fighter pilots after March attack

Qatar on Saturday rejected Iran’s claim that three Iranian fighter pilots were detained by Qatari authorities after their aircraft went down during attacks in March, calling the allegations misleading, Anadolu reports. Majed Al Ansari, adviser to the prime minister and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said on US social media platform X that Doha “categorically” denied the claims and expressed surprise that they were being circulated “at this particular time,” amid diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions. Al Ansari said Qatari authorities established contact with the Iranian pilots after they violated the country’s airspace and after confirming the trajectory of the incoming attack. He said that after following the rules of engagement and attempting unsuccessfully to communicate with the pilots, “the necessary measures […]