A military helicopter crash in Qatar has left at least seven people dead, with search operations ongoing according to official statements released on Sunday.
The helicopter, operated by the Qatari Armed Forces, went down in the country’s territorial waters during a routine mission. Initial findings from Qatar’s Ministry of Defense indicate that the crash was caused by a technical malfunction.
Authorities confirmed that seven individuals were on board at the time of the incident. Rescue teams have so far recovered bodies, all confirmed dead.
Among the deceased are three Qatari servicemen and three Turkish nationals, including one member of the Turkish Armed Forces and two technicians from ASELSAN.
However, a statement from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense reported that all seven individuals on board have died. According to Turkish officials, the victims include four Qatari military personnel, one Turkish soldier, and two ASELSAN technicians.
The helicopter was reportedly engaged in training operations under the Qatar–Turkish Combined Joint Force Command, highlighting ongoing military cooperation between the two countries.
Search and rescue teams continue intensive recovery operations at the crash site, while Qatari authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions in the Gulf, although officials have not indicated any link between the crash and recent security developments.
