Iran carried out a major drone strike early this morning (March 9, 2026) against Bahrain’s BAPCO oil refinery—the kingdom’s largest and most critical petroleum facility. According to Reuters, footage circulating online shows thick plumes of smoke and visible flames rising from the site in Sitra, where the attack occurred.
Widespread Damage and Injuries Reported
Bahraini authorities confirmed that the strike caused injuries and damage in the Sitra area. The Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) serves as the backbone of the island nation’s energy sector—handling refining, production, and export operations. With no other major economic pillars, the facility is not only an industrial asset but also central to Bahrain’s national finances.
Emergency Measures Activated
In response to the attack, BAPCO declared a state of force majeure across its operations—a legal measure indicating it cannot fulfill contractual obligations due to extraordinary circumstances. The incident marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, targeting critical infrastructure in a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member state.