GULF REGION — Amnesty International published a report in March 2026 stating that drone strikes on civilians in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia may constitute war crimes. The organization released evidence detailing deaths and injuries from these attacks.

The organization investigated two March attacks that killed four civilians and wounded at least 12 people. Researchers for the organization concluded that Iran likely used Shahed drones in these attacks. Shahed drones are capable of traveling 2,000 kilometers at low altitudes, which enables them to bypass some air defense systems.

On March 2, two drones were spotted near the MT Stena Imperative oil tanker between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. The MT Stena Imperative was docked at the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) in Al Hidd, Bahrain, at the time. SM Tareq, a Bangladeshi employee of ASRY, was killed and two other workers were injured in this attack. Amnesty stated the MT Stena Imperative was a civilian object in a civilian repair yard during the incident.

Iran struck a labor camp in Al Kharj at approximately 4 p.m. on March 8, killing three civilian men and injuring 10 others. The victims were civilian workers employed by the Al Twaik cleaning company, including Bangladeshi citizens Musharaff Hussain, 42, Abdullah Mamun, and Bachchu Mia, 35. Those killed were preparing to break their fast during Ramadan. Witnesses stated that no U.S. or Saudi military forces were present at the labor camp before the attack. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it targeted a radar system at the site; however, Amnesty reported the attack likely intended to target the Prince Sultan Air Base, which is approximately 15 kilometers from the labor camp. Heba Morayef, Middle East and North Africa Regional Director for Amnesty, stated, "The conflict in the Middle East has had a devastating impact on civilians, with thousands killed and injured across the region." Morayef added, "Iranian authorities must immediately stop targeting civilian infrastructure. Those responsible must be held accountable, and victims have the right to justice, truth, and reparations."

No independent assessment of Amnesty International’s claims was available.