On February 28, Bahrain's national media center confirmed that "the service center of the 5th Fleet was attacked by missiles" and said it would announce more details later. The target is believed to be the area serving as the headquarters for the 5th Fleet of the US Navy, the force responsible for operations in the Gulf, Red Sea and part of the Indian Ocean.
The US Navy's 5th Fleet plays a key role in protecting strategic shipping routes in the Middle East. This base has long been considered one of Washington's most important military support points in the region.
Satellite images cited by international media show that the US Navy had withdrawn many warships from the base in Bahrain earlier, amid rapidly increasing tensions with Iran.
After the attack, many explosions continued to ring out, emergency sirens sounded throughout Bahrain. Images from the capital Manama showed smoke rising high. Not only Bahrain, explosions were also recorded in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Doha (Qatar), raising concerns about conflict spreading throughout the Gulf region.
Qatar claims to have intercepted 2 missiles believed to have been launched from Iran. Some sources say that Al Udeid base in Qatar currently does not have US military assets stationed, but this information has not been officially confirmed by Washington.
The attack took place just hours after the US and Israel launched a series of preemptive airstrikes against Iran. This move closed many days of speculation about the possibility of military action against the Iranian government led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
According to reports, many explosions occurred near Mr. Khamenei's office in Tehran. The 86-year-old Supreme Leader is believed to have been moved to a safe location. Iranian media also reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is still safe and in good health.
The Iranian military launched a series of ballistic missiles into Israel immediately after President Donald Trump confirmed that the US began a major operation in this country.
The Middle East is currently facing one of the most tense moments in recent years, as attacks are no longer limited to Iranian territory but have spread to US strategic strongholds in the region.
