The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its "missiles and drones struck targets, dealing a significant blow to the home port of the US Navy 5th Fleet in Bahrain, as well as other Washington bases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates." The strike occurred on 28/2, following a period of heightened regional tensions.
AMK Mapping, an X account specializing in open-source intelligence on warfare, released a video recorded by local residents. The footage shows an Iranian missile hitting the naval port that hosts the US 5th Fleet headquarters near Manama, Bahrain's capital. Subsequent images from the scene revealed a large smoke plume rising from the base.
Moment an Iranian missile attacked the US Navy 5th Fleet base on 28/2. Video: X/AMK Mapping
Reactions to the strike varied, with some observers highlighting its severity. Tyler Rogoway, an editor for the US military news site War Zone, commented, "The strike was very serious, appearing to have hit the heart of the base." Bahrain's National Information Center confirmed, "The US Navy 5th Fleet base suffered a missile attack. We will provide information later," without specifying damage. The US Department of Defense has not commented. The US Embassy in Bahrain instructed its staff to shelter in place and advised US citizens to do the same until further notice.
Headquartered in Bahrain, the US Navy 5th Fleet oversees operations across 6.5 million square kilometers, encompassing the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean, and three strategic waterways: the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This strategic positioning makes the base a critical asset for US military presence in the region.
 |
A smoke plume rises from the US Navy 5th Fleet base after the attack on 28/2. Photo: AFP
The Iranian missile strike came in retaliation for a preceding attack. On 28/2, US and Israeli forces launched a coordinated attack on Iran, targeting defense and intelligence facilities, along with several high-ranking officials and generals. Sources indicate this operation was "jointly planned by the US and Israel for months", with Israel "going all out" and the US "sharing the same view."
Following the US-Israeli offensive, Iran quickly announced a retaliatory operation against Israel, though its scale and damage remain unclear. Iranian officials confirmed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were safe. President Donald Trump, in a statement regarding the operation, warned of potential heavy US military casualties in a conflict, underscoring the escalating tensions.
By Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Times of Israel)
