Bahrain’s largest oil refinery, the iconic Sitra facility run by BAPCO Energies, became the focal point of regional escalation when Bahrain’s largest oil refinery was struck by an Iranian ballistic missile today.
Located in the industrial heart of Sitra, Bahrain’s largest oil refinery processes up to 405,000 barrels per day after its major upgrade, supplying fuel across the kingdom and supporting exports. Eyewitnesses reported a powerful explosion rocking Bahrain’s largest oil refinery just after midnight local time.
Bahrain’s largest oil refinery in Ma’ameer
Flames erupted from a key processing unit inside Bahrain’s largest oil refinery, sending thick black smoke high into the sky over Ma’ameer. Videos circulating online clearly showed the intense fire engulfing part of Bahrain’s largest oil refinery, though emergency crews acted swiftly to contain the blaze.BAPCO officials confirmed that Bahrain’s largest oil refinery sustained limited structural damage.
Operations at Bahrain’s largest oil refinery were not fully halted; production continued at reduced rates while damage assessments were carried out. No injuries or fatalities were reported at Bahrain’s largest oil refinery, a relief given its strategic importance and dense workforce during night shifts.
Strike on Bahrain’s largest oil refinery
The strike on Bahrain’s largest oil refinery forms part of Iran’s broader retaliatory campaign targeting Gulf energy infrastructure following recent US and Israeli operations. Bahrain’s largest oil refinery, which also hosts storage tanks and export terminals, is seen as a high-value symbol of Bahrain’s economic backbone and its close military ties with the United States, home to the US Fifth Fleet.
