Sirens sounded across Bahrain and Kuwait early Friday morning as Iran launched retaliatory strikes against US military infrastructure in the region, as the renewed conflict between the two countries enters its sixth day.
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry urged citizens to head to safe locations following the activation of sirens in a post to X/Twitter.
The alarm has been sounded. We urge citizens and residents to remain calm, head to the nearest safe place, and follow the news through official channels.
— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) July 16, 2026
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that the target of the Iranian attack on Bahrain was US helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft located at the Shakir Airbase, the country’s military airport.
“In response to the enemy’s hostile action of targeting urban infrastructure and innocent people, the Iranian Army, in the eleventh phase of the “Thunder” operation, targeted the location where helicopters and US military P8 surveillance aircraft are stationed,” said Tasnim ’s report, citing the Iranian army.
Iran’s army added that it would respond “quickly and decisively” to any counter attacks from the US , stating that any retaliation would have a “heavy cost.”
Kuwait intercepts Iranian drones, missiles
In Kuwait, the nation’s air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles and drones.
In a post on X, Kuwait ‘s army clarified that any explosions heard are a result of air defense systems intercepting incoming attacks.
Kuwaiti air defenses are currently engaging hostile missile and drone attacks following the Iranian aggression.
The General Staff of the Army notes that any explosions heard are a result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks.
Everyone is urged to adhere to the safety and security instructions issued by… pic.twitter.com/sW2lYW89L6
— KUWAIT ARMY – الجيش الكويتي (@KuwaitArmyGHQ) July 16, 2026
Qatar says it thwarted missile attack, security threat over
Qatar’s Defense Ministry said on Friday its armed forces thwarted a missile attack, while the Interior Ministry said the security threat was over.
Several booms were heard in the capital Doha as a government security alert was sent to mobile phones, according to a witness. The ministries did not say who was behind the attack.
🇶🇦 HUGE EXPLOSIONS IN QATAR INCLUDING AL UDEID.
THE AIRSPACE IS CLOSED unless you’re an Iranian projectile. pic.twitter.com/h9TgPqxk5S
— DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) July 17, 2026
This is a developing story. Reuters contributed to this report.
