Iranian forces attacked fuel tanks at a facility in Bahrain, local authorities said on Thursday, in a strike targeting Muharraq governorate, home to the island state’s international airport.

The interior ministry said on X that authorities were taking necessary measures following the attack, but gave no further details.

It remained unclear whether the tanks hit were part of the airport’s kerosene facilities or a different site.

The ministry said the alarm sirens had been activated and urged residents to take shelter.

Iran has increasingly struck targets in Gulf states with drones and ballistic missiles in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks in Iran, with a focus on countries hosting U.S. military bases.

Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy’s main base in the region.

The United Arab Emirates said early on Thursday that its air defences were responding to a missile threat.

In Dubai, a drone crashed into a residential building, sparking a fire that was brought under control with no injuries reported.

Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed 18 drones in the eastern part of the country overnight.

(dpa/NAN)