Bahrain: Iran Attacked Aluminum Plant – Report

Aluminium Bahrain, also known as Alba, confirmed Sunday its facilities were targeted in an Iranian attack a day earlier. The confirmation comes after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they targeted Alba and Emirates Global Aluminium in response to attacks on two Iranian steel plants.

Attack Details

Alba reported that two people were mildly injured in the attack and is currently assessing damage to its facilities. The company had initiated a shutdown of three aluminum smelting lines, accounting for 19% of its capacity, in early March to preserve business continuity amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, following a force majeure on March 4 due to the closure of the strategic strait.

Regional Escalation

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks, alleging that the two companies have ties to U.S. military and aeronautics firms. Reuters has not independently verified the IRGC’s claims.

On Saturday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) faced missile and drone attacks from Iran, with the UAE Defense Ministry reporting its air defense systems were actively engaging with threats and explosions were heard around the country. Kuwait also registered air threats on Saturday, with authorities warning residents of potential explosions from air defense interceptions.

The Saudi Defense Ministry announced Sunday that it intercepted 10 drones over a few hours.