Blasts rattle Bahrain as Iran launches second drone attack in 3 days

Bahrain experienced two drone attacks by Iran in three days, causing concern for the small Gulf nation. The first strike occurred on Friday, followed by another near dawn on Sunday. Sirens sounded throughout Bahrain, prompting authorities to issue several alerts urging citizens to take shelter, a response not seen since September.

Iran claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they targeted a US radar system at a helicopter base in the island nation, which houses US military installations, including a major naval base. Bahrain's military managed to intercept the drones, preventing them from reaching their intended targets. The foreign ministry confirmed that air defense systems shot down the Iranian drones.

Hayat Ibrahim, a 65-year-old resident, expressed worry over the renewed attacks, stating that it was precisely what he had hoped wouldn't happen. The interior ministry advised residents to remain calm, move to a safe location, and follow official news sources. Mohammed Abdallah, a shopkeeper in Manama, the capital, lamented that he had hoped the period of unrest would end.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated that the drones targeted a US radar system at the Al-Riffa helicopter base, warning that any aggression by the American enemy would face a harsh and forceful response. Bahrain firmly rejected turning its territory into an arena for settling scores, holding Iran wholly accountable for these attacks.

Over the past eight months, Iran has targeted various energy facilities, airports, seaports, and US assets in the region, including the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil trade route. Despite thousands of Iranian drones and missiles being fired at the Gulf countries since the war began on February 28, Bahrain has weathered the attacks without significant casualties or damage.

The US military's Central Command reported shooting down two Iranian drones during Friday's attack, with no casualties or damage reported. US President Donald Trump plans to discuss the conflict with Chinese and Russian leaders at a trilateral meeting this week, as diplomatic efforts to resolve the war have proven unsuccessful.