Manama, Bahrain – The Kingdom of Bahrain is on high alert, with sirens sounding for the third time since the early hours of Thursday, July 9, 2026. This comes amid escalating regional tensions. Bahraini authorities have urged citizens and residents to fully comply with safety guidelines and remain in safe locations. They have also warned against leaving their homes until further instructions are issued by the relevant authorities.
Air defenses intercepted the attacks
The General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force announced that its air defense systems, operating at a high level of combat readiness, successfully intercepted a series of “treacherous Iranian air attacks” targeting the Kingdom on Thursday morning. It confirmed the interception and destruction of the hostile targets before they reached their intended destinations. In a strongly worded statement, the General Command of the Bahraini Armed Forces accused the Islamic Republic of Iran of “continuing its systematic hostile approach.” It also described the attacks as “criminal aggression” carried out using missiles and drones targeting civilian-populated areas. The statement emphasized that targeting civilians and their property constitutes a blatant and flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. It further stressed that the Kingdom reserves its full right to defend its security and territorial integrity.
Context of regional escalation
This attack comes amid a broader exchange of fire between the United States and Iran. The Islamic Republic’s army and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously announced missile and drone attacks targeting locations in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. They claimed these attacks were in retaliation for recent US strikes.
The roots of tension: from the Strait of Hormuz to military bases
The Gulf region has witnessed escalating tensions following Iranian attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This prompted the United States to launch a series of focused strikes aimed at neutralizing Iranian missile and logistical capabilities. A state of anticipation and caution prevails in Gulf capitals, with air raid sirens continuing to sound in Bahrain. This comes amid fears that this open exchange of fire could lead the region toward a full-blown confrontation, especially with Gulf military bases now at the heart of the military equation between Washington and Tehran. This places the security of international navigation and global energy resources under direct and unprecedented threats. All of this is unfolding against the backdrop of the rapidly evolving situation on the ground in the region since dawn today.
