🔗 Share this article Iran Claims Attack on US Base in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Amid Widespread Counterattacks. Thick black smoke was observed billowing near an area close to the headquarters of the American Fifth Fleet. Tehran reports attacking a American military facility in Manama, as Iran launched strikes throughout the Middle East in retaliation for a significant and continuing attack against it by the US and Israel. Large columns of dark smoke were observed billowing from an zone in the area of the command center of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain's capital, Manama. The extent of any destruction is not yet known and the US has remained silent. Missile Defenses Activated In other parts of the Middle East, the UAE, the State of Qatar and the State of Kuwait - which all house US military bases - stated they have shot down missiles in their airspace. In the Qatari capital, Qatar's defence ministry announced it had successfully engaged a number of projectiles apparently targeting the Al Udeid Air Base, the biggest US military installation in the region. Operation "Truthful Promise 4" Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared it was attacking American facilities and interests as part of military campaign "Truthful Promise 4", in reprisal for the strikes on the Islamic Republic carried out by the US and Israel on Saturday. That initial attack - launched at approximately 09:15 Iran time - has so far focused on areas linked to the Iranian leadership, with President Trump urging the Iranian people to rise up against the leadership. Regional Fallout In the State of Israel, sirens were heard nationwide after the Israel Defense Forces said it had detected an incoming Iranian missile barrage. The Ministry of Defence of the UAE stated that the country has been subjected to a "a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles". "UAE air defence systems engaged the missiles with notable success and successfully intercepted a several projectiles," it added. Officials reported debris fell on a residential area in the capital, resulting in some structural damage and killing a civilian. The US Air Force operates from the Al Dhafra base, to the south of the Emirati capital, along with the UAE Air Force.