On February 28, 2026, Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against U.S. military installations in Bahrain following the joint U.S.-Israeli offensive known as “Operation Epic Fury”.
The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters (Naval Support Activity Bahrain) in the Juffair district of Manama was confirmed as a primary target.
Bahrain’s National Communication Centre confirmed that a “service centre” affiliated with the 5th Fleet was “subjected to a missile attack”.
Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions and seeing heavy smoke rising from the Juffair area.
There have been no immediate official reports on casualties or the specific extent of structural damage, though the situation remains “active”.
Beyond Bahrain, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed strikes on several other U.S. bases in the region:
Missiles targeted Al Udeid Air Base; Qatari officials reported successfully intercepting at least one missile using the Patriot defense system.
Explosions were reported at Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi.
The Ali Al Salem Air Base was also reportedly targeted in the barrage.
Sirens were activated near the Muwaffaq al-Salti base.
The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain has instructed all American personnel and citizens to shelter in place.
Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE have temporarily closed their airspace to civilian traffic as a precautionary measure.
Recent satellite imagery suggested some U.S. naval assets were moved out of the Bahrain base prior to the strikes as a defensive precaution.
By Anthony Solly
