Bahrain's Military Action: Who, What, Why?

The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) is the Kingdom of Bahrain's military force, which includes the Royal Bahraini Air Force, Royal Bahraini Army, Royal Bahraini Navy, and the Royal Guard. The BDF has participated in several military conflicts, including the Gulf War, the War on Terror, and the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. The BDF is under the command of a commander-in-chief, currently Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, who holds the rank of field marshal. NSA Bahrain, a US military base, is also located in Bahrain and supports US and allied forces' forward operations in the region. Bahrain has faced a high threat of terrorist attacks, and there have been previous attacks using explosive devices in public places. Military activity in the region, particularly in the Red Sea and Yemen, is ongoing and primarily targets Houthi militants' attempts to disrupt international shipping.

The UK's first permanent Middle East base in 40 years

In December 2014, the UK announced its plan to build its first permanent Middle East base in 40 years. The base, HMS Juffair or Mina Salman Support Facility, is located at the Mina Salman Port in Bahrain. The facility can accommodate up to 500 Royal Navy personnel and is home to ships deployed as part of Operation Kipion, which is the UK's primary military effort in support of peacekeeping and maritime security in the Gulf region.

The decision to establish the new naval base was influenced by several factors, including the rise of Islamic State, fears over Iran, and ongoing instability in the region. Bahrain will contribute most of the £15 million cost of construction, with the UK covering ongoing expenses. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond emphasised that the base demonstrates the UK's commitment to the region and will enable Britain to work with its allies to reinforce stability in the Gulf and beyond.

The inauguration of HMS Juffair took place in April 2018 and was attended by the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the UK's Duke of York. The base has a rich history, initially established in 1935 as part of the port at Mina Salman. During World War II, it was bombed by the Royal Italian Air Force as an effort to cut off one of the three Allied Forces' oil sources in the Persian Gulf. After Bahrain gained independence from Britain in 1971, the permanent Royal Navy presence ended, and the US Navy took over the base.

The re-establishment of a permanent UK military base in the Middle East has sparked controversy due to human rights concerns in Bahrain. Critics, including Human Rights Watch and Bahrain Watch, have pointed to the country's record on human rights abuses and the slow pace of reform. However, Mr Hammond defended the decision, acknowledging that Bahrain is not perfect but taking steps to improve, with the UK providing support in reforming various institutions.

US Navy presence

The US Navy has maintained a presence in Bahrain since World War II. In 1941, the British Royal Navy invited the US Navy to deploy a small detachment to Bahrain following a bombing raid on the HMS Juffair base by the Italian Air Force. This posting became known as the US Middle East Force in 1948 and provided logistical and communications support to Marine Expeditionary vessels.

In 1971, Bahrain gained independence from the British Empire, and the permanent Royal Navy presence in the country officially ended. The US Navy took over the entire 10-acre site, which became known as the Administrative Support Unit (ASU) Bahrain. The base was renamed Administrative Support Unit Southwest Asia in 1992 to reflect the increasing role of US Navy activities in the region.

In 1997, the facilities in Juffair underwent a significant buildup under the Military Construction Program, resulting in what is now known as Naval Support Activity Bahrain (NSA Bahrain). NSA Bahrain is a US Navy base that serves as the home of the US Naval Forces Central Command and the US Fifth Fleet. The base provides logistical, supply, and protection support, as well as a Navy Exchange facility and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs for US Armed Forces and coalition assets.

NSA Bahrain is a critical base in the region for naval and marine operations, particularly in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and, formerly, Operation Iraqi Freedom. The base is commanded by the Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia and is responsible for supporting the forward operations and responsiveness of US and allied forces. As of 2020, NSA Bahrain had a population of approximately 8,500 military personnel and Department of Defense (DoD) Civilian employees, as well as 78 Tenant Commands and Joint and Coalition Forces.

Bahrain Defence Force

The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) is the military force of the Kingdom of Bahrain and is under the direct command of a commander-in-chief who holds the rank of field marshal. The BDF consists of the Royal Bahraini Air Force, Royal Bahraini Army, Royal Bahraini Navy, and the Royal Guard. The Royal Bahraini Army is the ground force component of the BDF and is currently made up of around 20,000 personnel. The BDF as a whole numbers about 18,000 personnel.

The Bahrain Defence Force was established in 1968 by Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and was initially named the National Guard. In 1969, the National Guard was renamed the Bahrain Defence Force. The first batch of recruits started basic training in October 1968, with the first graduates of the force celebrating in February 1969. In 1977, Isa ibn Salman appointed his eldest son and heir apparent, Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa, to be minister of defense and commander in chief of the Bahrain Defense Force.

The BDF has participated in several military conflicts, including the Gulf War, the War on Terror, and the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. Bahraini ground troops took part in the Yemeni Civil War, and in 2015, five Bahraini soldiers guarding the Yemeni-Saudi Arabian border were killed, with a further three dying later on in Yemen.

The Bahrain Defence Force Economic Program (BDFEP) is a mandate that focuses on the defence and security industry sector in Bahrain, with an emphasis on economic development. The BDF is responsible for the formulation and implementation of the BDFEP and its guidelines. The program ensures that defence-related procurement by the government results in industrial participation, with the aim of generating high-value economic, social, and strategic benefits for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

ISIS threats

The Islamic State (ISIS) has posed a significant threat to the stability of Bahrain and the wider region. In 2016, the group called on its followers to launch attacks in Bahrain, specifically targeting American military personnel stationed on the island. This prompted crisis talks and a state of emergency as the country grappled with the threat of ISIS-inspired violence.

Bahrain has been a major non-NATO ally of the United States and a host to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and US Naval Forces Central Command. The country has also participated in US-led security initiatives, such as the International Maritime Security Construct, which aims to protect commercial shipping in the region. As a result, Bahrain has been a target for extremist groups like ISIS that seek to disrupt American interests in the Middle East.

The Bahraini government has taken a hard line against suspected militants, conducting numerous security operations and trials that have resulted in convictions for terrorism-related activities. In April of an unspecified year, a Bahraini court sentenced 139 Bahrainis to prison on terrorism charges, with 69 receiving life sentences and the revocation of their citizenship. The government accused them of forming an organization called "Bahraini Hizballah" with the intention of carrying out attacks in the country.

Despite these efforts, Bahrain has faced challenges in countering violent extremism. The country has a history of political unrest and tense relations between the predominantly Sunni-led government and the Shia-majority opposition. This dynamic has the potential to fuel radicalization, particularly among Shia youth serving prison sentences related to the 2011 political unrest. There are also concerns about human rights abuses, with reports of mistreatment, arbitrary detention, and abuse by security forces.

ISIS remains a persistent threat in the region, even as its leadership ranks have been degraded. The group has relied on local affiliates to mount attacks and continues to seek new members and territory. Bahrain, with its strategic importance and proximity to American military assets, remains a potential target for ISIS and other extremist groups.

Bahrain's military response to pro-democracy protests

In 2011, the Bahrain military, backed by tanks and armoured personnel carriers, took control of most of the capital city Manama. This show of force came after hundreds of heavily armed riot police officers fired shotguns, tear gas, and concussion grenades to break up a pro-democracy camp inspired by the unrest across the Middle East. Soldiers took up positions in key areas of the capital.

The ruling Sunni Muslim Al Khalifa family crushed the protests a month after they began, imposing martial law and bringing in troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to help restore order. The government accused Shi'ite power Iran of fomenting the unrest.

The Bahraini government has allowed more opposition protests in recent years, pressed by its Western allies to permit peaceful expression of dissent. However, the country has a history of suppressing pro-democracy and pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

In 2011, soldiers opened fire on thousands of protesters defying a government ban and heading towards Pearl Square in Manama, which had become the symbolic centre of the uprising. Officials at the main Salmaniya Hospital said at least 50 people were injured.

In 2023, Bahraini authorities arrested and harassed participants in pro-Palestine protests across the country, including children and people who engaged in online advocacy. Human Rights Watch confirmed the arrests of demonstrators and children through interviews and photographs showing signs of violent force by authorities.

The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) is the country's military force and numbers about 18,000 personnel. It consists of the Royal Bahraini Air Force, Royal Bahraini Army, Royal Bahraini Navy, and the Royal Guard. The BDF is under the direct command of a commander-in-chief who holds the rank of field marshal.

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