Pentagon Hid Facts: US Base in Bahrain Heavily Damaged by Iran Attacks, Media Investigation Finds

The Pentagon has allegedly concealed the full extent of damage inflicted upon a U.S. military base in Bahrain by repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks, according to an investigation by The Wall Street Journal. The report, citing satellite imagery, social media footage, and interviews with military personnel, indicates that the damage to the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain was far more severe than officially acknowledged.

Between late February and June, the base reportedly suffered heavy to critical damage to its military infrastructure. Some Iranian projectiles are said to have penetrated U.S. air defense systems, striking strategic areas including the main command center, ten other buildings, and two satellite communication terminals. While the Pentagon maintained that no personnel were killed and operations continued with minimal disruption, much of the U.S. staff had been evacuated prior to major assaults.

These revelations have led to discussions among regional officials about the necessity of relocating, reducing, or rebuilding certain U.S. bases in the Middle East in anticipation of escalating threats from Iran. Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), defended the U.S. military's strategy, stating that prioritizing personnel safety and acknowledging minimal U.S. casualties despite thousands of Iranian projectiles fired. He contrasted this with the U.S. forces striking over 13,500 targets.