An Iranian drone strike sparked a fire at Bahrain’s Bapco oil refinery, sending thick smoke into the sky and underscoring rising risks to Gulf energy infrastructure as regional tensions escalate
Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from one of Bahrain’s key oil facilities after what authorities said was an Iranian drone strike, the latest sign that the widening regional conflict is increasingly targeting critical infrastructure across the Gulf.
The strike hit the Bapco Energies refinery located on Sitra island, south of the capital Manama. Videos circulating online showed dark smoke billowing from the site as emergency teams rushed to contain the blaze.
Officials later said the fire was brought under control and that refinery operations continued while authorities assessed the damage.
Watch the video here:
The Bapco oil refinery, a vital element of Bahrain’s oil infrastructure, incurred damage and a subsequent fire following a missile attack attributed to Iranian sources. pic.twitter.com/whlE3tJzkE
— OSINT Europe (@Osinteurope) March 9, 2026
Note: The video could not be independently verified by Firstpost.
Fire breaks out at major Gulf energy facility
The Bahraini government said a fire erupted at one of the refinery’s units after the attack. In an official statement, the National Communication Centre said: “A fire broke out at a unit of the Bapco Energies refinery following an Iranian missile strike.”
Authorities added that emergency crews managed to contain the flames. According to the statement, “The fire has been fully contained.”
Officials also said there were no immediate reports of casualties from the strike itself, though damage assessments were still underway.
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Civilians injured in wider drone attacks
While the refinery blaze did not cause reported casualties, the broader wave of attacks in Bahrain has injured civilians. The country’s health ministry said at least 32 people were wounded, including several in serious condition.
Homes and nearby buildings were also damaged in the strikes, highlighting how the conflict has increasingly spilled into populated areas.
The refinery strike is part of a wider pattern of Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf countries amid escalating tensions in the region. Energy facilities—particularly oil refineries and export hubs—have become key targets as both sides attempt to disrupt economic lifelines.
In recent days, similar strikes have been reported across the Gulf, raising concerns about global oil supply and regional security.
For Bahrain, the attack on the Bapco refinery is especially significant. The facility is one of the country’s most important energy assets, and any disruption could have ripple effects across the Gulf’s oil network.
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