India, May 5 -- A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, commonly referred to as a "flying gas station," declared an in-flight emergency while operating over the Persian Gulf near Qatar, raising concerns amid heightened regional tensions.

According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, the aircraft transmitted a "7700" distress signal - a universal code indicating an emergency situation - shortly after taking off from Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

The aircraft reportedly flew in a circular holding pattern before beginning its descent, suggesting efforts to stabilise the situation prior to landing. However, its signal was briefly lost during the incident, and the exact cause of the emergency remains unclear.

There has been ...