Iran has on Saturday launched a missile attack on a United States naval base in Bahrain, triggering explosions across the capital, Manama, hours after Washington announced major military operations against Tehran.
Iranian forces said the strike targeted the headquarters of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
Thick smoke was seen rising from the base following the attack.
Bahraini authorities issued air raid warnings shortly before the missiles landed. Explosions were heard across Manama, while sirens sounded and armored military vehicles were deployed on major roads. The attacks continued for several hours.
A U.S. official said at about 1:45 p.m. local time that no American casualties had been reported. Observers near the base reported fire and damage to at least one large building. The extent of the damage was not immediately known.
U.S. Navy officials referred questions to U.S. Central Command, which had not released an official statement as of Saturday.
Iran’s missile strike was confirmed by Tasnim News Agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The attack followed joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier in the day. Missile alerts were issued across parts of the Middle East. U.S. embassies in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Israel advised American citizens to shelter in place.
According to Reuters, Qatar said it intercepted several incoming threats aimed at its territory.
Jordan also intercepted two ballistic missiles.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the military operation, named Operation Epic Fury, was intended to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities. He said U.S. forces could suffer casualties.
Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and serves as the headquarters of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. About 8,300 U.S. sailors are stationed in the country, which also houses the Combined Maritime Forces.