Smoke was seen billowing above Bahrain International Airport on Thursday as Iran continues to attack its neighbours in the Middle East. It remains unclear whether the tanks reportedly hit were part of the airport’s kerosene facilities or a different site.

Reuters confirmed “plumes of smoke rising from the vicinity of Bahrain International Airport”. Other local reports said air defence systems were active over the airport near the capital Manama and the city of Muharraq, describing “an impact and large fire near Bahrain International Airport, with claims that a fuel depot was struck. The country’s Interior Ministry (MOI) said on X that authorities were taking necessary measures following the attack. It then confirmed the “fuel tank attack” and said: “MOI assures citizens and residents living in the areas surrounding the site of the fuel tank attack in Muharraq that they can resume their normal lives and open their windows.” It also said the relevant authorities, and Civil Defence have “successfully contained the fire resulting from the Iranian aggression, and cooling operations are currently underway”.

In Bahrain, an Iranian missile also struck the 405,000-barrel-per-day Sitra refinery operated by Bapco Energies on 5 March.

The country was also targeted last week, when a fire broke out at the BAPCO oil facility in Bahrain after an attack from Iran, the country’s Ministry of Interior said. At the time, “limited damage” was reported, but no casualties.

There are also reports indicating an attack on Dubai International Airport, where a large tower next to the Address Hotel was reportedly struck by a drone.

Recently, Iran started a series of attacks in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes on the country, with a focus on US allies in the Gulf hosting American military bases like Bahrain.

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MORE UPDATES TO FOLLOW…

On Tuesday, Abu Dhabi’s authorities responded to a fire at the Ruwais Industrial Complex after a drone attack. Officials said the blaze broke out at one of the facilities within the industrial site following the strike.

In Kuwait, debris injured workers at the 346,000-barrel-per-day Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery.

Meanwhile, Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco shut its 550,000-barrel-per-day Ras Tanura refinery on March 2 after debris from intercepted drones fell on the facility, which was targeted again on 4 March.