Bahrain arrests 5 people for collecting and passing intelligence to IRGC — including recruiting for terror plots

Bahrain's Ministry of Interior announced on March 15, 2026 (Day 16) that five people had been arrested for collecting and passing 'precise and sensitive information' to Iran's IRGC, and for 'recruiting terrorist elements' to carry out terror plots against Bahrain. A ministry statement said the acts were 'intended to undermine the state's sovereignty, target security authorities and economic entities, spread fear and panic among citizens and residents.' The arrests expose an active IRGC HUMINT network operating inside Bahrain — which hosts the US Navy Fifth Fleet. The IRGC cells were likely providing targeting intelligence for the sustained Iranian missile and drone campaign against Bahrain (125 missiles, 211 drones intercepted by Day 16). Confirmed by The Guardian live blog, 14:02 CET (13:02 UTC).