Sign in

Video: Smoke spotted at Bahrain's top oil field amid Iran drone attack

The Bapco Refinery, operated by Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), is Bahrain’s main oil processing facility.

Published on: Mar 9, 2026, 11:25:05 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

Thick smoke was seen rising from the direction of Bahrain's main oil refinery on Monday, after authorities earlier reported damage and injuries in the nearby Sitra area following a suspected drone strike by Iran. Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of dark smoke billowing into the sky from the direction of the Bapco Refinery, a key oil processing facility in Sitra, Bahrain.

Smoke rises after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, which houses the Israeli embassy, amid the US war with Iran. (REUTERS)
Smoke rises after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, which houses the Israeli embassy, amid the US war with Iran. (REUTERS)

A witness said smoke surrounded the refinery complex after the Bahraini government reported that the Sitra area had been hit by an Iranian drone attack, which caused injuries and damage.

HT.com could not independently verify the authencity of this video.

Authorities did not immediately confirm whether the refinery itself was directly hit, but the facility lies close to the area where the attack was reported.

The Bapco Refinery, operated by Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), is Bahrain’s main oil processing facility and a crucial component of the country’s energy infrastructure, handling crude oil for domestic use and export.

The incident comes as the Middle East faces a rapidly escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The war began on February 28 after US and Israeli forces launched large-scale airstrikes on Iranian military and government targets, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran across the region.

Since then, Iran has targeted US bases and allied infrastructure across the Gulf, including in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, while Israel and the US have continued strikes on Iranian military facilities.

The broader conflict has disrupted oil infrastructure and shipping routes across the Middle East, pushing global oil prices above $100 per barrel and raising fears of a wider regional war.

  • HT News Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT News Desk

    Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.