Missiles have allegedly targeted locations in Bahrain, which houses the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet, marking a significant escalation in conflict following recent joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.
This latest development has heightened anxieties that the conflict between Iran and its rivals, notably the United States and Israel, may broaden into a larger regional war, especially after Iranian targets were struck earlier in the day.
New airstrikes have been reported in multiple nations across the Gulf region, with Bahrain, a U.S. ally, being specifically mentioned. Officials in Bahrain confirmed that a missile attack was aimed at the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters located in the capital, Manama. However, the full extent of the damage remains unverified. Witnesses reported seeing a towering plume of smoke billowing over Manama following loud explosions heard throughout the city.
The Fifth Fleet operates from Mina Salman in Bahrain and is responsible for overseeing U.S. naval endeavors across the Middle East and Gulf areas. U.S. authorities noted that while some infrastructure in Bahrain sustained damage, it is not yet clear if the naval base was directly impacted. Up to this point, no American personnel have been reported injured according to NBC News.
In light of the escalating crisis, the UK's Foreign Office has issued an urgent advisory to British citizens in the Gulf, urging them to take immediate safety measures.
The advisory stated: “In light of reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE are advised to shelter in place, remain indoors at a secure location, avoid all travel, and adhere to instructions from local authorities.”
Additionally, several Gulf states and Iraq have announced airspace closures. Internal flights within the United Arab Emirates, including in Dubai, have been suspended as safety measures are implemented in response to the ongoing situation. Reports suggest that Iran is carrying out retaliatory strikes against various U.S. military installations in the area, as confirmed by a U.S. official.
In the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi, a Pakistani national was reportedly killed due to a missile strike that caused debris to fall onto a residential zone, according to Sky News Arabia. Explosions were also reported near the main airport in Abu Dhabi as observed by a Reuters correspondent.
Israel has heightened its defense status, advising citizens to seek shelter as warning sirens activated in various regions of the country. Embassies have cautioned their nationals to remain indoors and hearken to official directives. Meanwhile, the Jordanian Army intercepted two ballistic missiles that were aimed at its territory. Jordan maintains close military relations with the United States.
In Iraq, airstrikes have reportedly resulted in two fatalities in Jurf al- Sakhar, with additional persons suffering severe injuries. A missile is believed to have hit the U.S. Consulate in Erbil. Explosions have also been reported across Tehran and other Iranian regions; hospitals are reportedly on alert amid a significant internet blackout in the country.
The UK government has confirmed its non-involvement in the U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is anticipated to lead an emergency Cobra meeting to address the escalating crisis.
A spokesperson for the UK government remarked: "Iran must not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons, which is why we consistently support initiatives for a negotiated resolution. Ensuring the safety of UK citizens in the area is our top priority, and we will offer them consular support, available 24/7.
As part of our long-standing commitments to safeguard our allies in the Middle East, we have reinforced our defensive capacities in the region and are prepared to protect our interests. We wish to avert any further escalation into a broader regional conflict.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!