Qatar witnessed failed coup, report claims

DOHA - Daily News with wires

Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (L) and wife Sheikha Mozah (C) wave from a balcony in this file photo. AFP photo

A coup aimed at overthrowing Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani was attempted by army officials yesterday, Iranian Fars news agency reported.

Informed sources close to the royal family in Qatar said that a failed coup has taken place in Qatar, but Qatari officials have sought to keep knowledge of the attempt from the media and the public, given the increasingly fragile conditions in the country and the instability of a number of Arab states in the region, the Fars report said. Qatari officials neither confirmed nor denied the reports. Sources speaking to Fars said, Qatari officials confirmed that clashes had taken place between the Royal Guard Forces and a number of military troopers and personnel.

A number of high-ranking military officers rose against the Emir, triggering fierce clashes between officers and guards outside the Emir’s palace, Saudi Al Arabiya TV reported, Fars said. Some military officers were detained and others were placed under house arrest. According to Al Arabiya, the coup was foiled following the arrest of the officers, and American helicopters transferred the Emir and his wife to an unknown location, Iran’s Press TV reported.