Iranian forces say they struck a US naval base in Bahrain, as Iran launched strikes across the region in retaliation for a “massive” and ongoing attack against it by the US and Israel.
Huge plumes of black smoke were seen rising from an area near the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain. The extent of any damage is unclear and the US has not commented.
Elsewhere across the region, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait – all home to US military bases – said they have intercepted missiles in their air space.
In Doha, Qatar’s defence ministry said it had intercepted several missiles apparently targeting the al-Udeid air base, the largest American base in the region.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement it was targeting US bases and assets as part of operation “Truthful Promise 4”, in retaliation for the attack on Iran launched by the US and Israel on Saturday morning.
That attack – launched at approximately 09:15 Iran time (06:15 GMT) – has so far targeted areas linked to the Iranian leadership, with US President Donald Trump encouraging the Iranian people to rise up against the regime.
In Israel, sirens were heard across the country after the Israeli military said it had detected an incoming Iranian missile barrage.
The defence ministry of the United Arab Emirates said in a statement that the country has been subjected to a “a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles”.
“UAE air defence systems dealt with the missiles with high efficiency and successfully intercepted a number of missiles,” it added.
It said debris fell on a residential area in Abu Dhabi, causing some material damage and killing a civilian.
The US Air Force operates from Al Dhafra Air Base, south of Abu Dhabi, along with the UAE Air Force.
By BBC News
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
