Qatar defends detention of Bahraini sailors found in its waters

Qatar yesterday defended its officials’ detention of 20 Bahraini sailors who were arrested after entering its territorial waters illegally aboard 15 fishing boats.

An official source at Qatar’s Interior Ministry said the sailors will be released within three days and a court will decided what will happen to the boats.

According to the source, the sailors will be asked to sign a pledge not to cross into Qatar’s territorial waters again.

On Monday, Bahrain accused Qatar of illegally seizing three boats and the 16 sailors on board, state news agency BNA reported.

Qatar described the Bahraini announcement a desperate attempt to escalate diplomatic problems between the two Gulf states.

Bahrain joined Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt and cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar in June over its alleged support for terrorism. Doha denies the charge, saying the four countries are trying to impose a specific foreign policy on the region.

Bahrain and Qatar have long territorial dispute over the waters and islands near both countries.