https://www.stripes.com/theaters/middle_east/2026-02-28/strikes-on-bahrain-iran-israel-20902624.html
Counterstrikes continue at US Navy base in Bahrain
By LARA KORTE AND SHANNON RENFROE STARS AND STRIPES February 28, 2026
MANAMA, Bahrain Plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the U.S. base here Saturday after Iranian forces said they targeted the headquarters of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. Shortly after the U.S. announced major combat operations in Iran this morning, military personnel and residents were warned about an incoming missile attack. Within minutes, explosions could be heard across the city. The attacks have continued for hours. Multiple explosions rocked the capital of Manama on Saturday afternoon, as air raid warning sirens blared and armored vehicles convoyed along roads.
The U.S. has numerous installations across the Middle East that could be targets for Iranian strikes. In addition to Bahrain and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, home to thousands of American troops and their family members, there also are large bases in Kuwait and other locations where U.S. forces operate in Iraq.
Bahrain hosts U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters and the Navys 5th Fleet, with about 8,300 sailors stationed there. It is also one of the few accompanied postings in the region, with hundreds of spouses and family members living on the island. During the 12-day conflict with Iran last summer, many families temporarily left under an authorized departure. The base also hosts the Combined Maritime Forces, a multinational coalition of 47 countries tasked with countering illegal drug and weapons smuggling activities in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. The Pentagon has also surged military assets into Jordan and Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. The buildup for the attack on Iran has also involved European locations such as Greece, where the Navys installation at Souda Bay has seen increased U.S. military activity.
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https://www.stripes.com/theaters/middle_east/2026-02-28/strikes-on-bahrain-iran-israel-20902624.html
Source - Stars and Stripes
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