Drone attack in Sitra injures 32 civilians, including children, authorities confirm

Authorities in Bahrain have confirmed that a drone attack in the Sitra area on March 9, 2026, resulted in multiple civilian injuries and damage to residential properties, according to statements from the Ministry of Interior Bahrain and the Ministry of Health Bahrain.

Civilian casualties reported

Officials said at least 32 Bahraini citizens were injured in the incident. Among them, four individuals are in critical condition and require urgent surgical intervention.

The victims include several children, highlighting the severity of the attack. Medical authorities reported that a 17-year-old girl sustained severe head and eye injuries, while two boys aged seven and eight suffered serious lower limb injuries. A two-month-old infant was also among those injured.

Emergency medical teams quickly transported the injured to nearby hospitals, where doctors are continuing treatment and monitoring their conditions.

Damage to homes and refinery

The attack also caused material damage to several residential homes in Sitra, with impact sites reported in nearby neighborhoods. In addition, a drone strike reportedly targeted the Bapco Energies refinery on Sitra Island, prompting the company to declare force majeure following the incident.

Authorities are continuing assessments of the damage while emergency and civil defense teams remain deployed in the affected areas.

Urgent public safety directives

The National Communication Center Bahrain and the Ministry of Interior issued a series of urgent public safety instructions for residents:

• Stay indoors: Residents are advised to remain at home and only go outside if absolutely necessary.

• Do not touch debris: Any missile or drone fragments should not be approached or handled. Unidentified objects must be immediately reported to authorities.

• Avoid affected areas: The public should stay away from impact sites and rescue operations to allow emergency teams to work efficiently.

• No filming: Residents are urged not to film military operations or fallen debris, as this could compromise security and public safety.

• Follow official updates: Authorities advised the public to rely only on verified information from official channels such as the Bahrain News Agency.

Security and emergency services continue to monitor the situation while authorities work to ensure the safety of residents and assess the full impact of the attack.