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Qatar Warns of Legal Action Over Filming and Sharing Strike Footage

Authorities say posting incident videos could threaten security and hinder emergency response amid regional tensions
A plume of smoke caused by an Iranian strike is seen in the background as Emirates planes are parked at Dubai International Airport after its closure. Photo: AP

Qatar has issued a stern warning against filming or sharing videos from incident sites, saying violators could face legal consequences amid heightened regional tensions.

The country’s Ministry of Interior said recording or distributing footage from strike locations violates national laws and could threaten public safety and security. Officials urged residents and visitors to avoid spreading unofficial content and rely only on verified government sources.

Authorities stressed that sharing images or videos from sensitive locations could expose military or defensive positions, potentially aiding hostile actors. They also warned that crowds gathering to film incidents may obstruct emergency services, including ambulances and civil defence teams.

The warning comes as several Gulf states tighten controls on social media content linked to recent attacks. In Bahrain, officials confirmed arrests linked to posting and livestreaming strike footage, while neighbouring countries have issued similar advisories.

Governments across the region are encouraging the public to follow official updates via verified accounts and national media outlets to curb misinformation and reduce panic.

The crackdown reflects growing concerns among Gulf authorities that real-time footage from conflict zones could undermine security operations and spread unverified information during a volatile period.

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