Bahrain's interior ministry issues alerts of potential threats

Bahrain raised its threat alert to a nationwide level this Sunday following explosions reported throughout the country. Iran asserted that drone attacks had targeted a Bahraini military base with US helicopters stationed there. The Interior Ministry of Bahrain advised citizens to remain calm and seek safe locations, urging them to follow the official updates.

The source of the threat and any targeted locations remained undisclosed. Iran-aligned Sabereen News reported on Telegram that explosions were still being heard in Bahrain in the morning, claiming it was an Iranian drone attack on US targets. Separate reports from Iran's Fars news agency stated that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted attacks on US bases in Bahrain, asserting it was in response to US actions against Iran.

However, no specifics on the targets, weapons, or damage were provided. Earlier on Saturday, the IRGC claimed it had launched six drones towards a US air defense radar installation at Bahrain's Riffa helicopter base, calling it the second phase of retaliation against the US. The United States has not yet confirmed these reported attacks.

On Friday, the US Central Command reported intercepting two Iranian one-way attack drones headed towards Bahrain, with no injuries or damage, contradicting an earlier IRGC claim of destroying an American early-warning radar. Saudi Arabia's air defenses intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, according to the Saudi-led coalition.

Two drones were also intercepted and destroyed in the kingdom's Eastern Region, reported by Saudi Press Agency. Iran's IRGC Navy asserted that two oil tankers had exploded and caught fire after colliding with naval mines while attempting an unauthorized route south of the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC stated that the vessels had turned off their navigation and automatic identification systems to evade detection and that two other tankers had abandoned their passage due to warnings.

These claims have not been independently verified. No vessel identities, flags, or ownership details were given, and there has been no confirmation from maritime authorities of ships struck by mines. Gulf Arab states have demanded Iran pay full compensation for damage from missile and drone attacks since February, urging the UN Security Council to hold Tehran accountable and prevent further strikes.

Bahrain, which houses the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, is a critical hub for American military operations in the Gulf.