A viral video showing smoke rising from a high-rise in Manama, Bahrain, has triggered speculation that an Iranian drone — specifically the Shahed-131 or Shahed-136 — struck the building. The clip surfaced soon after Iran launched strikes on US assets in the Middle East, escalating regional tensions and prompting airspace closures across several Gulf states.

However, as of now, no Bahraini authority has confirmed that a drone strike took place in Manama, nor has any official statement verified the involvement of Shahed-131 or Shahed-136 drones. The authenticity and origin of the circulating footage remain unverified.

What is the Shahed-131/136 drone?

The Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 are Iranian-developed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often described as loitering munitions. This means they can hover over a target area before striking.

  • Shahed-131: Smaller variant, shorter range, lighter payload
  • Shahed-136: Larger, longer range, heavier explosive capacity

Both drones:

  • Use GPS-based navigation
  • Feature delta-shaped wings and a rear-mounted engine
  • Are launched from ground-based racks
  • Are considered lower-cost alternatives to traditional missiles

These drones have reportedly been used in conflicts across the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Iran maintains that its drone programme forms part of its national defence strategy.

What happened in Bahrain

The viral claim that a Shahed drone struck a high-rise in Manama emerged amid escalating conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States.

Iran launched retaliatory strikes following joint US-Israeli military operations targeting sites in Tehran. Explosions were also reported in Dubai and other Gulf locations. Several countries temporarily closed their airspace, and airlines rerouted or suspended flights.

Despite widespread social media claims, no official confirmation exists regarding a drone impact in Bahrain. Authorities have not reported verified damage or casualties linked to a Shahed-131/136 drone strike in Manama.

Regional impact

Airspace across Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and other Gulf states experienced disruptions. Airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Air India adjusted schedules citing safety concerns.

While regional tensions remain high, the specific claim of a Shahed drone striking a Manama high-rise remains unverified at this time.