We successfully prevented hundreds of attacks - a statement from Bahrain

Amidst the current tense military situation between the United States, Israel, and Iran, Bahraini air defense systems have successfully destroyed hundreds of drone and missile attacks launched by Iran. These attacks, which have been continuously launched since late February 2026, are not isolated incidents but rather the result of an ongoing wave of attacks successfully suppressed by the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) since February 28.

Bahrain, home to the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, has consistently confirmed facts through its official news agency, reporting on the success of its air defense systems.

According to the latest statistics, as of March 20, 2026, Bahraini defense forces have successfully destroyed 139 ballistic missiles and 238 drones in the air. This number has gradually increased over time, with 234 drones and 132 missiles reported by March 19, and 215 drones and 129 missiles in mid-March prior to that. The Bahrain Defence Force strongly condemns these actions by Iran, targeting civilians, private property, and airspace, as a terrorist aggression violating international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter. Consequently, the government has strongly advised the public to remain in safe places when attack sirens sound and to refrain from photographing debris.

The primary cause of this series of attacks is the joint assault launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026, targeting Iran's nuclear and missile facilities. Reports indicate that nearly 1,300 people, including Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died in that attack. In retaliation, Iran is launching these attacks targeting countries where American military bases are located, such as Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, as well as Israel, Jordan, and Iraq.

Initial attacks launched in late February and early March targeted the U.S. Naval Support Activity in Manama, with satellite imagery confirming damage to radar systems and storage complexes. Additionally, several high-rise residential buildings in Manama and Bahrain International Airport were attacked, and American contractors and officials were evacuated to hotels to prevent potential injuries from falling debris. Furthermore, Bahrain publicly announced for the first time that an Iranian drone crashed into a desalination plant, which provides essential water supply to the Gulf region, on March 7 and 8, causing significant physical damage.

Around March 9, an attack on the Bahrain Petroleum Refinery in the Sitra industrial area caused large fires and thick smoke in the region, injuring over 32 people, including young children. Concurrently, missile debris fell on Manama roads and a university building in Muharraq, injuring several more individuals. According to reports, this entire series of attacks has resulted in approximately two deaths and over 50 injuries in Bahrain. Similar air defense operations are observed in neighboring Gulf states, and amidst mixed statements issued by Iran, this situation has severely impacted overall regional security, the global market, and air travel.