Image copyright AFP Image caption Officials in Qatar say the symbols are not terror-related, but they have not explained why they were made
It has been found that Qatari authorities in the Middle East nation have carved mysterious symbols into sand dunes, sparking rumours that they might be related to a terrorism-related operation.
The symbols apparently resemble the letter L and are sayd to have been carved by experts.
The dunes are spread across four oases and are thought to have been made by tribal factions.
In theory the symbols are perfectly legal and should not be viewed as symbols of intimidation, according to officials.
The official line is that the symbols have been carved there as part of rituals.
The BBC’s Tom Esslemont in Doha says that Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani regularly visits the oases to meet tribal leaders.
Isolated oases
Is it possible that, according to our correspondent, the Emir may want to divide his country in two, by putting Qatari tribes, allied with Qatar, in the north, and other, hostile tribes, in the south?
Image copyright EPA Image caption Some of the symbols could be a form of alternative currency
The symbols appear to be scratched in.
Some refer to the original date of the Ramadan observance of Islam, which is July or August, the fall of the moon and the three pillars of the faith, according to our correspondent.
Some of the markings also include the Arabic word for money – khorasan.
The symbols are understood to have been carved there some months ago.
It is not known what the symbols could mean.
Isolated tribes
Officials from the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Culture said there was no suspicion that the symbols were anything but their natural and customary markings.
Some tribes living in the Doha region believe they have specific wealth claims and are very proud of their emirates, according to our correspondent.
However, he adds that the Qatari government may want to pressure some tribes to back down and settle their differences.
Culture minister Saud al-Khudail told reporters: “These symbols, which are natural and historical markings made by the tribes to look like currency or the moon, have nothing to do with the interests of any tribe.
“They are a family tradition that can be seen with the dunes or under a well. They are no threat to security and stability of the region.”
Image copyright EPA Image caption Workers and scientists have also discovered what appear to be messages on the sand
Al-Khudail said that authorities were monitoring websites that circulated rumours about the symbols.
Foreigners have been visiting the oases since the early days of Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
Unusually, visitors don’t have to show any ID to gain entry, but they must have pre-booked reservations.