An explosion that injured dozens in Bahrain ten days into the war on Iran was likely caused by a U.S.-operated Patriot missile, according to academic researchers. The blast occurred before dawn on March 9, damaging homes in the Mahazza neighborhood on Sitra island. Both Bahrain and Washington had initially blamed an Iranian drone attack for the incident. The Gulf kingdom reported 32 people were injured, including children, some severely.

Bahraini officials confirmed for the first time that a Patriot missile was indeed involved in the incident. They stated the missile successfully intercepted an Iranian drone in mid-air, thereby saving lives. The government spokesperson clarified that the damage and injuries were not a result of the drone or the interceptor hitting the ground directly. This intervention highlights the costly and advanced weaponry being deployed against less expensive drone threats.

Despite the official accounts, evidence directly linking an Iranian drone to the Mahazza explosion has not been presented by either Bahrain or the United States. The incident underscores the complex realities and potential drawbacks of current defense strategies. The powerful Patriot missile’s detonation, regardless of its target, contributed significantly to the destruction and casualties in the vicinity.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of Bahrain’s air defenses came under scrutiny as they failed to prevent simultaneous strikes on a nearby oil refinery. This facility declared force majeure several hours after the attacks. The Pentagon, when queried, deferred to U.S. Central Command, which did not offer an immediate response. The White House stated that the U.S. is actively hindering Iran’s drone and missile capabilities.

A senior U.S. official emphasized that America remains committed to countering threats to itself and its allies, asserting that U.S. forces do not target civilians. However, this official did not address specific questions regarding the Patriot missile incident. This situation comes shortly after U.S. investigators suggested American forces might have been responsible for a strike on an Iranian girls’ school earlier in February.