Powerful Explosions Strike US Military Base in Bahrain Following US-Iran Tensions
Significant explosions have rocked a US military installation in Bahrain in the aftermath of coordinated military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The events unfolded after the US and Israeli forces conducted strikes on Iranian targets, prompting swift retaliatory measures by Iran targeting American assets in the Gulf region. Bahrain, home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, experienced the most severe impact during this escalation.
According to official Bahraini sources, the Fifth Fleet's service center in the capital city of Manama was struck by a missile, resulting in a series of massive explosions. Following the incident, emergency services initiated the evacuation of residents from the surrounding neighborhoods due to safety concerns arising from the damage and the risk of further attacks.
Eyewitness accounts and local media reports describe an initial missile impact within the base perimeter, which triggered a substantial explosion and sent debris across the area. Thick plumes of black smoke rose from the site and were visible throughout Manama, underlining the scale of the incident. US officials have stated that the missile hit an unoccupied storage facility, although persistent fires and ongoing speculation on social media suggest the possibility of additional materials or equipment being present at the time of the attack.
Subsequently, a second strike targeted a dome-shaped structure adjacent to the base. Footage circulating on digital platforms appears to show a Shahed-type Iranian drone, similar to those seen in other conflict zones, approaching and hitting the structure. The resulting explosion produced another large fireball, with the structure largely engulfed in smoke. Information from local sources indicates the targeted facility was a key communications radar installation supporting the US base's operations.
Further reports indicate that a comparable attack occurred in Qatar, where Iranian sources claim a major US early warning radar system, the AN/FPS-132 with a reported range of 5,000 kilometers, was destroyed. However, Qatari officials assert that all incoming missiles were intercepted. No visual confirmation of damage in Qatar has been independently verified at this time.
The international response has been swift, with Germany, France, and the United Kingdom issuing a joint statement strongly condemning the Iranian military strikes on neighboring states. The governments have called on Iran to halt its attacks and return to diplomatic negotiations, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Meanwhile, Russia has publicly criticized the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, describing the actions as escalating the risk of a broader regional crisis with potentially severe humanitarian and economic consequences. Russian officials have urged all involved parties to exercise restraint and prioritize diplomatic engagement to prevent further deterioration of stability in the region.
As the situation remains fluid, authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage in Bahrain and monitor the risk of further escalation. The recent exchanges mark a significant intensification in the ongoing conflict dynamics between the US, its regional allies, and Iran, with broader implications for security and stability across the Gulf region.