ISTANBUL

Bahrain’s Defense Force said its air defense systems have intercepted and destroyed 445 drones and 188 missiles since late February, citing ongoing Iranian attacks, according to an official statement.

The interceptions date back to Feb. 28, when the attacks began, the force said in a statement posted on US social media platform X.

It added that air defense systems remain on high alert to counter what it described as “malicious Iranian aggression.”

Regional tensions have escalated since the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, which has killed more than 1,340 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.