ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Iranian Army said on Thursday that its one-way attack drones targeted US facilities in Bahrain during what it described as the 26th phase of Operation Thunderbolt, claiming to have struck key infrastructure at Sheikh Isa Air Base.
In a statement published by state media, the Iranian Army's Public Relations Office said the operation was carried out in retaliation for the death of a Su-24 pilot in the Iranian Air Force.
According to the statement, Iranian attack drones struck power generators, navigation systems, and administrative and support buildings at what it described as "US Army" facilities at Sheikh Isa Air Base.
The Iranian military also claimed that attacks carried out in recent days, including those launched on Thursday night against US bases in the region, caused significant damage to military equipment and facilities despite the presence of multiple air defense systems and fortified bases.
Iran further claimed that repeated strikes by its armed forces have seriously degraded the base's combat and logistical support capabilities.
The development comes amid renewed escalation in the US-Iran war following a brief lull intended to give peace talks room to progress.
The US and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign against Iran in late February, killing its supreme leader and many senior military commanders. In response, Tehran has targeted US interests and allies across the region. Although the two sides signed a memorandum in June that included a 60-day ceasefire, they have continued to exchange fire, with no sign of de-escalation.
Operation Thunderbolt is the name Iran has given to its ongoing campaign of retaliatory attacks against US military targets in the Middle East.
