Kuwait intercepts 'hostile' aerial targets as Bahrain activates sirens

Kuwait's military confirmed early Thursday that its air defenses are actively engaging "hostile" aerial targets over the emirate, as neighboring Bahrain activated emergency warning sirens following Iranian claims of missile strikes on US bases in both Gulf states. In a statement issued before dawn, the Kuwaiti army said defenses were responding to the threats as part of ongoing security measures without providing specific details about the nature of the objects or their origin. The announcement came hours after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for launching coordinated attacks against American military installations across the region.

Iran claims strikes on US installations

Iranian state media reported that 18 major targets were struck at the Ali Al Salem and Ahmad Al Jaber air bases in Kuwait, alongside the Sheikh Isa base in Bahrain. The IRGC also announced attacks targeting Patriot missile defense systems, communications facilities, and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, according to statements carried by official outlets. Independent verification of the Iranian claims remained unavailable.

Bahrain urges residents to seek shelter

Bahrain's Interior Ministry activated warning sirens across the kingdom early Thursday and urged citizens and residents to remain calm while proceeding to the nearest safe location. The ministry did not specify whether missiles had penetrated Bahraini airspace or landed on territory. The incidents mark the latest escalation in the two-month conflict between Washington and Tehran, which began when the US and Israel launched military action against Iran on February 28.