Bahrain says it intercepted Iranian aerial attack; Iran targets Sheikh Isa Air Base

MANAMA, Bahrain — Bahrain's General Command of the Defence Forces announced early Wednesday that it had intercepted and destroyed incoming Iranian aircraft using the country's air defense systems. The command said weapons and personnel had been placed on high alert and that defensive preparations were continuing. Authorities urged citizens and residents to stay away from suspicious objects and report them to officials, calling missile and drone strikes against civilians a clear violation of international humanitarian law. Iran's military said it had struck facilities at Bahrain's Sheikh Isa Air Base early Wednesday, claiming the facilities were used by U.S. forces. Tehran described the attack as a response to what it said were U.S. air operations against military targets inside Iranian territory. The Iranian announcement followed reports that U.S. forces resumed new air operations against targets inside Iran on Tuesday evening. No further details on casualties or damage on either side were immediately available.