Qatari authorities have arrested more than 300 people for sharing images and what officials described as “misleading information” during days of Iranian attacks, the interior ministry said on Monday.
The arrests come as tensions escalate across the Gulf, with Iran reportedly launching daily drones and missiles targeting airports, military bases, energy facilities and residential areas in the region.
According to the ministry, those detained filmed and circulated video clips and posted rumours online that could “stir public opinion”.
In a statement, authorities said the suspects — from “various nationalities” — were arrested by the Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
The crackdown reflects wider efforts across Gulf countries to control the spread of sensitive information as the regional security situation worsens.
Neighbouring Bahrain also confirmed similar action last week. Its interior ministry said four people were arrested for filming the aftermath of Iranian attacks and spreading what officials called false information.
In Kuwait, three individuals were arrested on Saturday after posting a video mocking the situation in the country.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have also issued warnings to residents, sending text messages cautioning against sharing sensitive images or reposting unverified information.
The UAE attorney general’s office warned residents not to film or circulate videos showing incident sites or damage caused by falling missiles or shrapnel, according to the Emirates News Agency.
Despite the warnings, images of missiles, drones and damage from the attacks continue to spread rapidly on social media and private messaging platforms.
