Australians in Qatar were caught up in a rapidly worsening security situation on Sunday, with the Australian embassy in Doha shutting its public doors as missile interceptions were reported over The Gulf state.In a statement, Australian Ambassador to Qatar Shane Flanagan said the Australian Embassy in Qatar would be closed to the public on Sunday “due to the ongoing regional security situation”, as authorities in Doha responded to fresh security alerts and urged residents to remain indoors.The embassy said Australians needing urgent help could contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.The closure came as Qatar’s Ministry of Interior reportedly raised the security threat level for the second time on Sunday, with local media reporting that people were told to stay indoors during interception operations. Qatar’s defence ministry also said a missile attack had been intercepted, while the interior ministry later said three people, including a child, were injured by falling debris.The embassy warning followed a volatile week in the region. Australia’s Smartraveller advice for Qatar, updated on Sunday, said Australians should reconsider their need to travel because of the risk of military action and the unpredictable security environment.That advice also warned the situation could affect the opening hours of Australian embassies and consulates across the Middle East.“There remains a risk of further attacks and escalation,” Smartraveller said.“If strikes occur in your location follow local warning systems and, if warned of an imminent attack, move to an enclosed hardened shelter. Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice.“We continue to advise Australians do not travel to Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen. We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.”There had already been signs of the deteriorating conditions earlier this month. On July 9, Qatar issued a security alert and later said the threat had ended and the situation was back to normal, after reports its air defences intercepted incoming projectiles.