Qatar accuses UAE, Bahrain of new airspace violations

Qatar has made another complaint to the United Nations alleging new violations of its airspace by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, state media reported on Saturday.

The Qatar News Agency said its airspace was violated by a UAE military transport aircraft on 14 January and again on 25 February.

A Bahraini military plane also flew into Qatar's airspace on 26 February, it said.

The QNA said the UN secretary general and the Security Council were informed about the incidents, which come at a time of high political tension in the Gulf.

The Qatari mission to the UN called on the members of the Security Council to take the necessary steps to end the violations, asserting that the Qatari government reserved the right of response and defence, guaranteed by international covenants, Iran’s Financial Tribune reported on its website.

For the past nine months, Qatar has been isolated by its former neighbouring allies in a rancorous diplomatic dispute.

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt allege Doha supports terrorism - a charge it categorically denies - and imposed sanctions including closing their airspace to Qatari planes.  

It is the second time Qatar has complained to the UN about violation of its airspace.

In a tit-for-tat exchange in January, Qatar claimed an incursion by a UAE aircraft.

In response, UAE officials denied the charge and alleged that Qatari aircraft had intercepted two civilian Emirati aircraft, and also complained to the UN.

On Friday, Qatar also alleged that a UAE navy vessel had "kidnapped" a Qatari fishing boat at gunpoint and was still holding its eight-strong Indian crew.

A complaint has been lodged with the UN over this matter as well, said the QNA.