News
US-Operated Missile Intercepted Iranian Drone in Bahrain, Sparking Explosion in March
A U.S.-operated Patriot air defence battery intercepted an Iranian drone over Bahrain on March 9, causing an explosion that resulted in casualties. Bahrain acknowledged the missile involvement, stating it prevented further harm.
A Reuters investigation, using open-source visuals and satellite imagery, determined the missile launch originated from a U.S. Patriot battery approximately four miles southwest of the Mahazza neighbourhood. Bahrain and the U.S. have attributed the March 9 incident, which damaged a residential building in Manama, to an Iranian drone. A Bahraini government spokesperson stated the Patriot missile successfully intercepted the drone mid-air. The spokesperson added that the damage and injuries were not a direct result of either the Patriot interceptor or the Iranian drone impacting the ground. Bahrain reported intercepting and destroying 105 missiles and 176 drones launched by Iran the day after the strike. In response to questions from Reuters, a senior U.S. official affirmed the U.S. commitment to countering Iranian threats against allies.
Key Facts
- A U.S.-operated Patriot missile intercepted an Iranian drone over Bahrain on March 9.
- The interception caused an explosion that killed one person and injured dozens.
- Bahrain confirmed the use of a Patriot missile in the incident.
- The missile was launched from a U.S. Patriot battery southwest of the Mahazza area.
- Bahrain and the U.S. have blamed Iran for the drone attack.
- Bahrain claims its air defences intercepted numerous missiles and drones launched by Iran following the event.
- A U.S. official stated commitment to address Iranian threats against the U.S. and its allies.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Hindustan Times — US-operated Patriot missile used to intercept Iranian drone in Bahrain blast on March 9: Report