BAHRAIN: Military Says It Intercepted Iranian Attacks as Tehran Claims Strike on U.S. Base
Bahrain says its air defenses destroyed several Iranian aerial attacks Sunday before they reached their targets. Iran's claim that a U.S. base was hit had no immediate confirmation from U.S. or Bahraini authorities.
Bahrain's military said Sunday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several Iranian aerial attacks before they reached their targets, following nationwide warnings urging residents to seek safety.
The Bahrain Defence Force said its forces remained at their highest level of readiness to defend the kingdom, according to a statement carried by the Emirates News Agency.
Bahrain's Interior Ministry twice urged citizens and residents to remain calm, go to the nearest safe location and follow official updates. The alerts were the country's first nationwide public safety warnings since September, The National reported.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it launched six drones targeting U.S. air-defense radar at the Al Rifaa helicopter base. There was no immediate confirmation from U.S. or Bahraini authorities that the installation had been hit.
Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. Sunday's interceptions came amid continued tensions in the Gulf and efforts to reach a deal ending the wider conflict with Iran.