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Key facts
- Explosions were reported across Bahrain, the UAE, and Kuwait.
- A facility linked to the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain was reportedly hit by a missile.
- Bahrain sounded emergency sirens multiple times, urging residents to seek shelter.
- Iran had warned of retaliation against countries hosting US military bases.
- The incidents followed US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.
Explosions were reported across Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait on Wednesday, escalating regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. A facility linked to the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain was reportedly hit by a missile.
Bahrain's National Communication Centre confirmed the strike on the service center but provided no immediate further details. Earlier, emergency sirens sounded across the country, and authorities advised residents to seek shelter. Iran had previously warned of potential retaliation against nations hosting US military bases.
Residents in Abu Dhabi also reported hearing loud explosions, with the UAE stating it had temporarily and partially closed its airspace as a precaution. Explosions were also reported in Kuwait, and air defense systems intercepted a missile over Doha.
The heightened military activity follows pre-emptive strikes on Iranian territory by Israel with US support, which Donald Trump stated were aimed at eliminating imminent threats. The Israel Defense Forces reported that missiles were subsequently launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, prompting defensive measures and shelter advisories for Israeli residents.
These developments occur amid weeks of increased military posturing and stalled nuclear negotiations, fueling concerns about a wider regional conflict.