Conflicting claims emerge over Bahrain blast as video challenges US military account
US recently decided to give Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine. PHOTO: REUTERS
Conflicting accounts have emerged over an incident in Bahrain that reportedly injured 32 civilians, after a video circulated online appeared to contradict a statement issued by the United States military.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media that Russian and Iranian media had spread false claims about a Patriot missile interception, adding that the incident involved an Iranian drone striking a residential neighbourhood, leaving 32 civilians injured, including children.
🚫 Russian and Iranian media claimed earlier today that a U.S. patriot missile missed while intercepting an Iranian missile or drone and inadvertently hit a neighborhood in Bahrain. LIE.
✅ What really happened: An Iranian drone struck a residential neighborhood, injuring 32… pic.twitter.com/FF9jatQVaLHowever, footage shared online by many individuals, including the investigative outlet Drop Site News, showed a missile being launched from within Bahrain and cruising at low altitudes before moving off-screen.
Video from Bahrain appears to contradict the version of events given by U.S. Central Command, appearing to show an air defense interceptor descending and striking an area off camera after a failed interception attempt.
Local reports say the interceptor fell into a residential… https://t.co/Qu1RP4XgSU pic.twitter.com/SmlyoDLaJtThe outlet said local reports indicated that an interceptor missile may have fallen into a residential area, causing the injuries and leaving several people in critical condition.
One user has apparently geolocated the launch of the failed interceptor near an air defence site in Bahrain.
💢 Update | Failed interceptor video geolocated near an air-defense site in Bahrain: https://t.co/KstvUHBsuu
CENTCOM has said major military operations are continuing in the Middle East, with US forces involved in strikes and defensive actions across the region.
Social media crackdown
According to Drop Site News, Bahrain's prosecutors are now seeking the death penalty for citizens accused of photographing damage from Iranian attacks.
💢 UPDATE: Bahrain prosecutors now seeking death penalty for citizens accused of photographing damage from Iranian attacks
Bahrain’s Public Prosecution is seeking the death penalty for defendants accused of “high betrayal,” alleging they photographed locations where photography… pic.twitter.com/cpYjGzMYknThe news outlet reports that Bahrain’s Public Prosecution is seeking the death penalty for defendants accused of “high betrayal,” alleging they photographed locations where photography is prohibited.
Read: Qatar arrests 313 over attacks footage
According to Gulf News, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry stated that two individuals were arrested on March 1 for misusing social media platforms by filming and broadcasting live videos and clips that were later shared online. Officials said the material could harm security and public order and provoke public opinion.