Bahrain and Kuwait heightened security on Thursday after explosions were reported in both Gulf countries, following Iran’s warning that it would retaliate against fresh US military strikes on its territory. Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, while Kuwait said its air defence systems had been activated to counter incoming threats.

Air raid sirens sound in Bahrain

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that warning sirens had been activated across the country and urged people to remain calm.

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“The siren has been sounded,” the ministry said in a post on X, urging “citizens and residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.”

According to AFP, explosions were heard in the capital, Manama, shortly after the alerts were issued. Iranian media later claimed that the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain had been targeted, although there was no immediate confirmation from US or Bahraini authorities.

Kuwait activates air defence systems

Kuwait also reported defensive military activity after what it described as hostile aerial threats.

“The General Staff of the Army notes that any explosions heard are a result of air defense systems intercepting hostile attacks,” the Kuwait military said in a statement on X.

The military did not identify the source of the missiles or drones it said were intercepted.

Iran claims strikes on US-linked military sites

The heightened alert came after Iran vowed to respond to the latest US attacks. Iranian state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched what it described as a large-scale missile and drone operation targeting 85 US military-linked locations.

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Among the claimed targets were the US Fifth Fleet headquarters at Salman Port in Bahrain and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Iranian media also reported strikes on military installations hosting US forces in Kuwait and claimed Jordan’s Azraq Air Base was also targeted.

Separately, the state-affiliated Fars News Agency reported that Iranian Army drones struck the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain. Iran also claimed its air defence systems shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Bushehr Province following the American strikes.

What triggered the latest escalation between the US and Iran?

The developments follow another round of US military action against Iran. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces carried out precision strikes on more than 80 military targets, including command-and-control centres, air defence systems, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile positions and IRGC fast attack boats.

The US said the operation was launched after Iranian attacks on three commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz and was aimed at reducing Tehran’s ability to threaten maritime security.

Following the strikes, Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Qeshm Island, along with fires at port facilities in southern Iran. Iranian officials said there were no reports of civilian casualties.

FAQs:

Why were Bahrain and Kuwait placed on alert?


Both countries heightened security after explosions were reported following Iran’s warning of retaliation over US strikes.

What did Iran claim after the US strikes?


Iran claimed it targeted US-linked military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait and launched missile and drone attacks.