Three Iranian Air Force pilots remain missing following a military strike on the U.S.-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, according to Iranian military officials. Qatar has told Tehran it currently holds no information regarding the status of the missing service members, as confirmed by Mehr News.
Iranian Military Demands Qatar Clarify Pilot Status
Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia, spokesperson for the Iranian Army, stated that ongoing diplomatic and military follow-ups have yielded no clarity from Qatari authorities. According to Mehr News, Akraminia urged the government and armed forces in Doha to act with greater responsibility under international humanitarian law to determine the whereabouts of the three remaining crew members.
The Al Udeid facility serves as a primary U.S. military hub, housing helicopter detachments and supporting wider operations. Iran’s military leadership insists that host nations bear obligations under international conventions to investigate missing personnel incidents tied to active combat zones.
DNA Testing Confirms Death of Brigadier General Majid Kazemi
The demand for information follows official confirmation that one of the participating Su-24 bomber pilots, Brigadier General Majid Kazemi, was killed during the March 2 raid on the Qatari base. According to the Iranian Army, DNA testing verified the identity of Kazemi’s remains.
The remains of the pilot who died have returned to Iran last week after months abroad, while efforts to determine the fate of three remaining crew members from two Su-24 bomber aircraft continue, as reported by Mehr News. Officials have not yet recovered the bodies or confirmed the survival of the other three aviators linked to the March operation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which military base was targeted in the operation?
The target was the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which serves as a major facility for U.S. military operations and helicopter deployments.
What aircraft were involved in the strike?
Iranian military statements indicate that Su-24 bomber aircraft participated in the March 2 operation.
Has the death of any pilot been officially confirmed?
Yes. According to the Iranian Army, DNA testing confirmed the death of Brig. Gen. Majid Kazemi, whose remains were returned to Iran.
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