Ankara: A Qatari citizen was killed and another person injured after a delayed vessel was located off Qatar's coast following a search and rescue operation, the country's Interior Ministry said Sunday. In a statement, the ministry reported that maritime patrols had identified a vessel, with two individuals on board, that had not returned as scheduled during routine monitoring by the General Directorate of Coasts and Border Security.

According to Anadolu Agency, search operations commenced on Saturday evening, and rescue teams found the vessel in the early hours of Sunday. The ministry disclosed that the Qatari citizen died after being hit by shrapnel resulting from military operations in the vicinity. An Arab resident was also injured and has been taken for medical treatment, with authorities confirming that his condition is stable.

The ministry confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing and are being conducted in line with legal procedures. This incident occurs amidst renewed military tensions between the US and Iran in the region.