Air Raid Sirens Spark Gulf Citizens’ Rush to Exit Bahrain
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A wave of Gulf citizens began leaving Bahrain on Tuesday evening following the activation of air raid sirens that sent ripples of concern across the Kingdom. The alerts, though followed by an “all clear” declaration from authorities, prompted immediate reactions, especially from visiting nationals of neighboring Gulf countries.
Hotels across Manama reported an uptick in early checkouts, with guests citing safety concerns and a desire to return to their home countries. The movement led to unusually heavy traffic on the King Fahd Causeway, the vital bridge linking Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.
Security officials and traffic patrols were deployed to manage the flow of vehicles, ensuring an orderly exit for travelers heading back to the mainland. Checkpoints were reinforced and emergency services remained on standby in case of any incident along the route.
Travel agencies and hotel operators noted a sharp rise in cancellation requests for upcoming stays, particularly from families and tourists from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Several flights were also rescheduled by Gulf travelers seeking to leave earlier than planned.
Though Bahraini authorities reassured the public that the siren was a precautionary measure and that no direct threat remained, the emotional impact of recent regional events—including Iran’s missile strike on Qatar—has left many citizens on edge.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard the country and maintain calm, and encouraged residents and visitors alike to follow updates through official sources.
The situation remains under close observation, with regional governments coordinating on both security and civilian movement across borders.
