Manama: Bahrain announced on Saturday that it has intercepted and destroyed 86 missiles and 148 drones sent by Iran since February 28, targeting the kingdom. The Bahrain Defense Force General Command issued a statement confirming the successful neutralization of these threats, which were aimed at the kingdom.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Bahrain Defense Force General Command urged residents to remain indoors and venture out only in cases of extreme necessity, emphasizing the importance of exercising caution to ensure safety. The command highlighted that the targeting of civilian sites and private property with ballistic missiles and drones is a violation of international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, posing a direct threat to regional peace and security.

In a related development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated earlier on Saturday that Iran would not attack neighboring states unless provoked by attacks originating from their territories. Since February 28, Iran has launched missiles and drones towards Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Some of these attacks have resulted in casualties and damage to civilian sites, including ports and residential areas.

Tehran has justified these attacks as a response to a US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials.