Iran Strikes Back: Attacks US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain as Middle East Explodes | WATCH
Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury, Iran has retaliated with a massive missile and drone barrage targeting US military hubs across the Middle East. Bahrain’s capital, Manama, faced direct hits as fireballs erupted near the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters. With regional airspace closed and oil markets in turmoil, the conflict threatens to spiral into an unprecedented global crisis.
Amid the escalating US-Iran conflict on February 28, 2026, Iran launched a series of missile and drone strikes targeting US military facilities across the Middle East, with significant focus on Bahrain's capital, Manama. These attacks were in direct retaliation for joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear, military, and IRGC sites earlier that day.
Bahrain, home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters, reported direct impacts, explosions, and infrastructure damage, though initial assessments indicate no American casualties.
The strikes on Bahrain occurred as part of Iran's broader "crushing retaliation" following US President Donald Trump's announcement of "Operation Epic Fury," a large-scale campaign involving US and Israeli forces to dismantle Iran's nuclear and missile programs.
Iranian state media, including Fars and Tasnim news agencies, confirmed that the attacks targeted US assets in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Jordan, labeling them as responses to "aggression" against Iranian sovereignty.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, stating that all US and Israeli military targets in the region were within range and had been struck with "powerful blows."
Bahrain's role as host to approximately 8,300 US sailors and the Navy's Central Command made it a prime target.
The Fifth Fleet oversees operations in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and beyond, making any disruption strategically significant.Timeline of the Attacks in BahrainInitiation (Around 9:00 AM Bahrain Time): Sirens blared across Manama as incoming missiles and drones were detected. Bahrain's Interior Ministry reported emergency alerts, and the US Embassy issued a "shelter-in-place" order for American citizens.
First Impacts (Approximately 10:00 AM):
Explosions rocked the Juffair district, where the US Naval Support Activity Bahrain is located. Bahrain's National Communication Center confirmed a "missile attack" on the Fifth Fleet's service center, describing it as a "treacherous attack" and "blatant violation" of sovereignty.
Ongoing Barrage (Up to 8 Hours):
Strikes continued intermittently, with reports of additional hits on residential buildings near the base. Smoke plumes were visible over Manama, and air defenses engaged incoming projectiles.
Evacuations and Closures:
Bahrain evacuated neighborhoods around the base, and regional airspace was closed in Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE due to related threats.
Multiple videos and photos circulated on social media and news outlets, capturing the chaos:
A viral clip showed a US service member recording an incoming strike, reacting with panic as explosions erupted nearby: "Oh ****... Dude, a missile actually got through."
Footage from Manama depicted large fireballs, thick black smoke rising over high-rises, and mushroom clouds from impacts in the Juffair area.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud blasts, seeing projectiles at steep angles, and observing air defenses intercepting some missiles, with debris causing secondary damage.
Iranian media framed the strikes as targeting "terrorist" US bases, while independent geolocation confirmed the footage aligned with the Fifth Fleet's location.
Casualties and Damage
US Personnel: No American casualties were reported as of 1:45 PM Bahrain time, according to US officials. The base is an "accompanied posting," with hundreds of families, some of whom had evacuated during prior tensions.
Infrastructure: Damage included hits on radar installations, a logistics facility, and nearby residential areas. Explosions caused visible plumes and potential secondary fires.
Civilian Impact: No confirmed Bahraini deaths, but the attacks prompted widespread evacuations and airspace closures.
These strikes are part of a multi-country barrage:
Similar attacks hit Al Udeid in Qatar (intercepted), Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, Al Dhafra in the UAE (one civilian killed by debris), and sites in Jordan.
Global repercussions include flight cancellations, oil market volatility, and heightened alerts for US forces.
Iran warned of further retaliation, while US and Israeli officials remain on high alert. Experts note this could expand the conflict if not contained.