Attack On US Embassy In Qatar Imminent? Residents Asked To Vacate The Area – Timeline Exclusive
Doha: Residents living near the United States Embassy in Doha were abruptly asked to vacate their homes early Thursday as Qatari authorities initiated an emergency evacuation around the diplomatic compound, raising fears that the facility could become a potential target amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Many consulates and US establishments have already been attacked by Iran in retaliation for he US-Israel attack on the country from last Saturday.
Several residents living close to the embassy in the Al-Luqta district confirmed to Timeline that officials arrived late at night and instructed them to temporarily leave the area as a precautionary measure. Many residents said they were informed the move was temporary and purely aimed at ensuring public safety.
The evacuation order comes as the region remains on high alert following intensifying military confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
In a brief statement issued early Thursday, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that authorities had begun evacuating residents living close to the embassy.
Officials described the measure as a “temporary precautionary step” taken to ensure public safety.
“Competent authorities are evacuating residents living in the vicinity of the US Embassy as part of necessary preventive measures. Suitable accommodation has been provided for them,” the ministry said.
Authorities did not specify whether there was a direct threat against the embassy but urged residents to rely only on official information channels.
Shortly after the evacuation began, the US Embassy in Doha issued a Security Alert – Update 6 warning American citizens in Qatar to leave the country if it is safe to do so.
According to the advisory, the US Department of State had already ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to depart Qatar due to the growing risk of armed conflict.
The embassy also urged Americans still in the country to shelter indoors and remain vigilant.
“To the extent possible, remain inside your residence, hotel, or another structure and stay away from windows,” the advisory said, warning that Iran or its regional allies may attempt to target Americans in retaliation for US strikes on Iran.
Routine consular services at the embassy have also been suspended until further notice.
The security alert further noted that Qatar’s airspace and maritime routes remain closed, severely limiting travel options for foreign nationals attempting to leave the country.
However, the Salwa land border crossing into Saudi Arabia remains open, offering one of the few exit routes currently available for travellers.
US officials said they are exploring options to assist American citizens seeking to leave the country.
Across the Middle East, governments have begun implementing emergency security measures as tensions escalate following military strikes against Iran and retaliatory actions by Tehran.
Diplomatic missions across the Gulf have become potential flashpoints as the conflict widens. Reports indicate that several US embassies and missions in the region have already faced security threats, prompting temporary closures and evacuations.
The United States has also ordered the departure of non-essential personnel from multiple Middle Eastern countries including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan as part of wider contingency planning.
