Iranian missile strike hits Bahrain's oil refinery, civilians injured
What's the story
An Iranian drone strike has set fire to the Bapco oil refinery in Bahrain, sending thick black smoke into the sky. The attack on this key energy facility, located on Sitra Island south of Manama, is part of a larger pattern of Iranian missile and drone strikes against Gulf countries amid rising tensions in the region. Witnesses reported seeing massive plumes of smoke rising from the site after the attack.
Damage control
Fire breaks out at Bapco refinery
The Bahraini government confirmed that a fire broke out at one of the refinery's units after the strike. The National Communication Centre said, "A fire broke out at a unit of the Bapco Energies refinery following an Iranian missile strike." Emergency crews were able to contain the flames and continue operations at the facility. There were no immediate reports of casualties from this specific incident, although damage assessments are still ongoing.
Twitter Post
Smoke billows from the Bapco oil refinery in Bahrain
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
Civilian impact
Civilians affected in Bahrain
The wider wave of attacks in Bahrain has left several civilians injured, according to local media. Meanwhile, the country's health ministry reported that at least 32 people were wounded, some critically. Homes and nearby buildings were also damaged in these strikes, indicating the conflict's increasing trend toward spilling into populated areas.
Targeted infrastructure
Bapco refinery under threat
The Bapco refinery is one of Bahrain's most important energy assets, and any disruption could have ripple effects across the Gulf's oil network. The attack on this facility highlights how energy infrastructure has become a key target in the ongoing conflict. Similar strikes have been reported across the Gulf in recent days, raising concerns about global oil supply and regional security.