Iranian forces hijack Bahraini boat in armed maritime assault, says Interior Ministry
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- Bahraini sailors report being forced from national waters into Iranian territory.
- Incident involves theft of boat engine and personal property; released after three hours.
Bahraini authorities have reported an armed maritime incident involving three sailors who were forced into Iranian waters.
The sailors were aboard a Bahraini vessel on February 18, when armed assailants, identified as Iranian, seized control. Under threat of weapons, the sailors were taken from Bahraini territorial waters into Iranian waters. During the operation, the assailants confiscated one of the boat’s engines and other personal belongings, according to the Bahrain Ministry of Interior.
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The sailors were reportedly forced onto a boat operated by the attackers and held for approximately three hours before being released and allowed to return toward Bahraini waters.
Coast Guard records indicate that similar incidents have occurred previously, involving Iranian nationals targeting vessels near Bahrain’s maritime borders.
The Ministry of Interior emphasized that the attack violates international navigation laws, granting Bahrain the right to take all necessary legal measures.
