Turkey steps up air patrols after Israeli strikes in Doha

Turkish military jets took off from airbases in Diyarbakir and Malatya on Tuesday following Israeli strikes in Doha that targeted Hamas leaders, Middle East Eye understands.

Eyewitnesses in Diyarbakir reported seeing several jets in the air that afternoon, near one of Turkey’s main airbases.

Sources familiar with the matter told MEE that the Turkish Air Force scrambled additional jets overnight and increased the intensity of its air patrols over Turkish airspace.

“There has been no announcement of an alert, but routine patrols have been stepped up in areas near Syrian and Iraqi airspace,” a source said.

Experts believe the Israeli Air Force may have crossed Syrian and Iraqi airspace, flying near the Saudi border before reaching Doha with the support of aerial refuelling tankers.

Also read: Turkey steps up air patrols after Israeli strikes in Doha