CRITICALMILITARY

Qatar shoots down two Iranian Su-24 bombers targeting Al Udeid and Ras Laffan, retaliates against Iran

2026-03-02 · 06:00 UTC·Qatar / Al Udeid Air Base

Qatar's air defenses shot down two Iranian Su-24 tactical bombers dispatched toward Al Udeid Air Base and Ras Laffan LNG on Day 3. Qatar subsequently struck Iran in retaliation — the first direct Qatari military action against Iran in the conflict. Confirmed by Western diplomats to JPost, The Guardian live blog, and Channel 12.

On the morning of March 2, 2026 (Day 3), Iran's IRGC dispatched two Soviet-era Su-24 tactical bombers toward Qatar targeting Al Udeid Air Base (10,000 US personnel) and Ras Laffan, Qatar's key LNG processing facility. Qatar's air defenses intercepted and destroyed both Su-24 aircraft. Qatar then conducted retaliatory strikes against Iran — the first direct Qatari offensive military action of the conflict. This marks an extraordinary shift: Qatar, which had maintained a complex dual posture as a US host and Iranian diplomatic back-channel, crossed into direct combat operations against Iran. Western diplomats confirmed to JPost that Qatar had struck Iran after the attempted airport and Al Udeid attacks. Israel's Channel 12 also reported Qatari strikes. Qatari airspace was temporarily closed disrupting Hamad International Airport flights.

Actor responses

IranOPPOSINGRESPONSE

IRGC deployed Su-24 bombers to strike Al Udeid and Ras Laffan — legitimate targets supporting attacks on Iran. Iran acknowledges the aircraft were intercepted.

United StatesSUPPORTINGRESPONSE

Qatar's air defenses successfully defended Al Udeid and Ras Laffan from direct Iranian air attack. The US thanks Qatar for the effective interception. Operations at Al Udeid continue.

IsraelSUPPORTINGRESPONSE

Qatar's decision to shoot down Iranian bombers and strike Iran directly marks a significant strategic shift. Qatar has moved from passive interception to active combat engagement against Iran.