Iran says it has hit US base in Bahrain, as it launches strikes across region

Iran says it has hit US base in Bahrain, as it launches strikes across region2 hours agoTom BennettReutersPlumes of black smoke were seen rising above an area near the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth FleetIranian forces say they have struck a US naval base in Bahrain, as Iran launched strikes across the region in retaliation for a "massive" and ongoing attack against it by the US and Israel.Huge plumes of black smoke were seen rising from an area near the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain. The extent of any damage is unclear and the US has not commented. Elsewhere across the region, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait - all home to US military bases - said they have intercepted missiles in their air space. In Doha, Qatar's defence ministry said it had intercepted several missiles apparently targeting the al-Udeid air base, the largest US base in the region.The US has about 13 military bases across the Middle East, with 30,000 to 40,000 troops normally deployed between them. Authorities in Bahrain confirmed the attack on the US naval base, known officially as Naval Support Activity Bahrain. It is the home port for ships including anti-mine vessels and logistical support ships, though it is unclear if any were present. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement it was targeting US bases and assets as part of operation "Truthful Promise 4", in retaliation for the attack on Iran launched by the US and Israel on Saturday morning. That attack - launched at approximately 09:30 Tehran time (06:00 GMT) - has so far targeted areas linked to the Iranian leadership, with US President Donald Trump encouraging the Iranian people to rise up against the regime. In Israel, sirens have been activated across the country throughout Saturday - with its military saying numerous rounds of missiles had been launched at it by Iran, and that its air force is working to intercept them. In neighbouring Jordan, the armed forces said they had shot down two ballistic missiles targeting its territory, with authorities saying there were no casualties. The defence ministry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said in a statement that the country has been subjected to a "a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles"."UAE air defence systems dealt with the missiles with high efficiency and successfully intercepted a number of missiles," it added. It said debris fell on a residential area in Abu Dhabi, causing some material damage and killing a civilian. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack by the US and Israel as "wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate", and said Iran's armed forces "are prepared for this day and will teach the aggressors the lesson they deserve".